Bible Study Podcast Wes McAdams

Do you struggle to understand the book of Revelation? This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast addresses the common problems and misconceptions that people have when reading the book of Revelation. Many find it to be a confusing and scary book of the Bible. However, today’s guest, Garrett Best, explains that Revelation doesn’t have to be scary and that it is actually a highly relevant and encouraging book for Christians today.







The discussion delves into the importance of understanding the genre and context of Revelation in order to properly interpret its symbolism and message. Key biblical concepts explored include Revelation’s role as prophecy, its connection to the Old Testament, and its central themes of exclusive allegiance to God and faithful witness in the face of cultural pressure and conflict. The episode aims to equip listeners with a framework for reading Revelation that focuses on its original purpose and application.







Garrett Best is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry at York University in Nebraska. He initially avoided studying the book of Revelation, but was eventually drawn to it and ended up writing his dissertation on the book. Best shares his journey of coming to appreciate and champion the relevance of Revelation for the church today, providing valuable insights for listeners seeking to better understand this crucial but often misunderstood biblical text.















Links and Resources









* Watch This Episode on YouTube







* Sponsor: Freed Hardeman’s Graduate School of Theology







* Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester







* Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael Gorman







* Foretaste of the Future by Dean Flemming







* The Anchor Bible Commentary on Revelation by Craig Koester









Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







The book of Revelation doesn’t have to be scary. My guest today will help you see how encouraging and relevant this book is for your life. My guest is Garrett Best, associate professor and chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry at York University in Nebraska. This is a deep and rich conversation about Revelation. I know you’re going to enjoy it. 







But before we get to that, I want to read from Revelation 22 that says, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

What is the mission of the church? This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles that crucial question. The discussion explores the common tendency for Christians to focus solely on replicating New Testament patterns of church life, while neglecting the larger theological framework of God’s mission. Wes McAdams and Steve Cloer delve into the biblical concept of God as a “missionary God” who sends his people to partner in redeeming a broken world, and how this should reshape the church’s identity and approach to ministry.







Missional theology can transform the way we view everything from Sunday morning worship to our daily lives and interactions. Wes and Steve encourage listeners to reconsider their understanding of the church’s role and calling, moving beyond mere religious obligations to embrace a holistic, kingdom-centered mission. The conversation also touches on practical challenges and opportunities that arise when the church seeks to engage its local community and context.







The guest, Steve Cloer, is an assistant professor of ministry at Harding School of Theology and the director of the Doctor of Ministry program. With extensive experience in urban congregational ministry, Steve brings a unique perspective on the importance of the church’s presence and witness in cities and neighborhoods. His insights challenge listeners to consider how they can more faithfully and effectively participate in God’s mission, wherever they may be.















Links and Resources









* Watch this Episode on YouTube







* The Missional Catalyst: Reimagining the Role of the Minister – Missio Dei Journal







* Loving Our Neighbors – Mission Alive Newsletter







* Reaching the Spiritual but Not Religious – Prestoncrest Class

































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







Have you ever thought of God as a missionary? Have you ever thought of yourself as a missionary? Well, hopefully, you will after today’s podcast. Today I’m visiting with my friend, Steve Cloer, who’s an assistant professor of ministry at Harding School of Theology. Steve also directs the Doctor of Ministry program. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and in the fall of 2024, he’s going to begin leading a new initiative for Harding called the Center for Church and City Engagement. 







Before we begin that Bible study and conversation, I want to read from 2 Corinthians 5, starting in verse 17. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 







I hope you enjoy this conversation and I hope it helps all of us learn to love like Jesus.







WES: Steve Cloer,

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV). In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and Willie B. Williams delve into the profound concept of faith and its pivotal role in the Christian life. They address the common struggles many believers face, such as discouragement, cynicism, and a defeatist attitude, which can hinder their faith. The discussion explores how these mindsets can limit our understanding of God’s promises and our ability to witness His mighty works. Additionally, they tackle the crucial issue of unity within the church and how a lack of faith can impede the body of Christ from experiencing the oneness for which Jesus prayed.







They emphasize the importance of consistently feeding one’s faith through the study of God’s Word and meditating on his promises. They highlight the necessity of believing in God’s ability to overcome any obstacle, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual. The discussion also underscores the relationship between faith and love, emphasizing that true faith leads to a deeper love for God and a greater capacity to bear all things.







The guest for this episode is Willie B. Williams, III, the evangelist for the North Colony Church of Christ. As a passionate and enthusiastic proclaimer of the gospel, Willie brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the conversation. His journey began with a humble church plant in his living room, and through unwavering faith, he has witnessed God’s mighty works unfold. Willie’s testimony serves as an inspiration, reminding listeners that faith can move mountains and that God’s promises are accessible to those who believe.















Links and Resources









* Watch this Episode on YouTube







* Book: To Dream Again: How to Help Your Church Come Alive by Robert D. Dale







* North Colony Church of Christ









Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. How do you live a life of faith? That’s what we’re going to talk about in today’s Bible study. And just to give you a heads up, one of my favorite parts of the conversation is near the end when we talk about the relationship between faith and unity in the church. My guest today is Willie B. Williams, III. He is the evangelist for the North Colony Church of Christ. He is a good friend and a passionate, enthusiastic proclaimer of the gospel. 







I want to start today by reading Hebrews 11:1‑6. It says, 







“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.

Are you struggling with how to share the gospel without coming across as weird, awkward, or pushy? Many Christians want to reach their neighbors with the gospel but don’t know the best approach – especially with successful or wealthy individuals. This episode tackles those tough evangelism questions and dilemmas head-on. If you’ve ever felt intimidated talking about Jesus, you’ll want to hear the insights shared here.







The discussion delves into biblical principles around respect, humility, relationship-building, and embodying the incarnational love of Christ. It examines Jesus’ own interactions with tax collectors, the wealthy, and the marginalized – highlighting how he met people with authenticity, not condemnation. You’ll learn a practical framework for having spiritual conversations that open doors rather than putting people off. Powerful examples illustrate how vulnerability and sharing your personal story can be an effective bridge to the gospel.







The guest for this episode is Matthew Morine, a minister who has a gift for relatable, non-cringeworthy evangelism. Matthew preaches for the Castle Rock Church of Christ in an affluent area of Colorado. Despite living among plenty of wealth and success, he has found remarkable inroads for sharing Christ. His tested insights come from real-life experiences in his community.















Links and Resources









* Watch this Episode on YouTube







* Matthew Morine Evangelism Class from Telling the Story Conference

































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. How do you share the gospel without being weird, awkward, or icky? That’s what I’m going to talk to my guest, Matthew Morine, about today. Matthew preaches for the Castle Rock Church of Christ in Castle Rock, Colorado. He loves chess, mountain climbing, hockey, and reading, and he is fantastic at sharing the good news about Jesus. 







But before we get to the conversation, I want to read from Romans 10, starting in verse 8. Paul writes, “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they’re sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.'” 







I hope this conversation is a blessing and an encouragement to you, and I pray it helps all of us learn to love like Jesus.







WES: Matthew Morine,

Why is baptism such a big deal in the New Testament? Many Christians understand that baptism is important, but they may struggle to articulate the deep meaning behind this sacred act. In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and his guest Marcus Stenson dive deep into the topic of baptism, addressing questions and concerns that many believers have. Whether you’re new to the concept of baptism or have been a Christian for years, this episode will provide valuable insights and clarification on this crucial aspect of the Christian faith.







Through an examination of various biblical passages, Wes and Marcus explore the rich symbolism and spiritual significance of baptism. They discuss how baptism represents dying to our old sinful selves and being raised to new life in Christ, echoing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus himself. The episode also delves into the relationship between baptism and the Holy Spirit, shedding light on how the Spirit works in connection with baptism. Additionally, the conversation touches on the communal aspect of baptism, highlighting how it relates to being welcomed into the family of God and the body of Christ.







Marcus Stenson is the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ, located just north of Austin, Texas. He is a co-founder of Christians for Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping Kenyans to spread the gospel through education and humanitarian aid. Marcus is also a member of the team at Be1Make1, an organization that empowers people to fulfill their disciple-making purpose. With his deep knowledge of Scripture and passion for the kingdom of God, Marcus brings valuable insights and perspectives to this discussion on the importance and beauty of baptism.















Links and Resources









* Watch this Episode on YouTube







* Leander Church of Christ







* Be1Make1







* Freed Hardeman University Graduate School of Theology

































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. Today we’re going to talk about baptism. Why is baptism important? Why is it significant? Why is it beautiful? I’m going to talk to Marcus Stenson, who is currently the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ, just north of Austin, Texas. He’s a co‑founder of Christians for Kenya, a kingdom‑facing nonprofit that focuses on equipping Kenyans to spread the gospel through education and humanitarian aid. Marcus is also a member of the team at Be1Make1, an organization dedicated to empowering the disciple‑making purpose that lives inside everyone. I so appreciate Marcus and the things that he has to share. I know that you’re going to be encouraged, as well. 







I want to start by reading Romans 6, starting in verse 1. Paul says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that,

Spiritual warfare, what is it and how do we engage in it? The Bible has a lot to say about spiritual beings, both good and evil. However, many of us are very uncomfortable thinking about spiritual forces, especially demons and “the satan.” This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast aims to address these perplexing issues and provide biblical insight into this often-misunderstood aspect of the Christian faith.







Eric Ramsur and Wes McAdams the biblical narrative, starting from the creation account in Genesis, and explore the concept of the divine council, where God interacts with other spiritual beings called “Elohim.” The conversation also examines the rebellion of some of these beings against God’s authority and their subsequent influence on humanity and the nations. Furthermore, the episode sheds light on the role of Satan, the accuser, and the reality of demonic forces as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. Practical guidance is offered on how we can engage in spiritual warfare by aligning ourselves with the Holy Spirit.







The guest for this episode is Eric Ramseur. He and his wife, Brianna, have four children. They reside in Virginia Beach and love working with the church for its growth and mending relationships in their community. Eric’s deep understanding of Scripture and his passion for exploring the often-overlooked aspects of the biblical narrative make him an excellent guide through this complex and fascinating topic.















Links and Resources:









* Watch this Episode on YouTube







* drmsh.com – Michael Heiser’s website







* The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser







* Angels by Michael Heiser







* Demons by Michael Heiser







* Supernatural by Michael Heiser







* The Bible Unfiltered by Michael Heiser







* The Divine Council in Canaanite and Early Hebrew Literature by E.T. Mullen







* The Bible Project podcast series called “God”







* Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster









Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.































Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)







Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about spiritual warfare. What is it, who are we fighting against, and how is it that we go about engaging in spiritual warfare? My guest today is Eric Ramseur. He and his wife and four children live in Virginia Beach. They love working with the church for its growth and mending relationships in their community. I know that you are going to be incredibly blessed by the things that Eric has to share. He is a brilliant theologian and a wonderful disciple of Jesus, and I know that you’re all going to be blessed by his thoughts.