God and Other Small Stuff

Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler

The creators of God and Other Small Stuff have in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life.

  1. SEP 1

    Abraham, God, and Covenant Children- Kingdom of God E8

    In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Taylor and Tyler dive deep into Genesis 18, exploring what Taylor calls "one of the most important theological statements in all of scripture about covenant succession and God's grace." The hosts unpack God's mysterious visit to Abraham through three men, examining the theological significance of this theophany and what it reveals about God's covenant promises working from the inside out. The conversation explores the dramatic moment when God promises Isaac's birth to the elderly Abraham and Sarah, Sarah's secret laughter, and God's omniscient response that reveals His divine identity. The hosts discuss the complex question of who these three visitors were - likely Jesus (a Christophany) accompanied by two angels - and why this isn't a Trinitarian appearance. They delve into God's decision to reveal His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham, explaining Abraham's role as the "federal head" of the covenant and why God chose Abraham not because Abraham would be faithful, but so that Abraham would command his household to keep the Lord's way. Key Topics Covered: The theophany in Genesis 18 and the identity of the three visitorsSarah's laughter and God's omniscient knowledgeWhy this passage isn't a Trinitarian appearanceAbraham as the federal head of the covenantGod's sovereign choice of Abraham and covenant successionThe connection to Galatians 3-4 and believers as "children of promise"The theological significance of God revealing His plans to AbrahamHow covenant promises work from generation to generationScripture References: Genesis 18:1-33 - Abraham's visitors and the promise of IsaacGenesis 19:1 - The two angels in SodomPsalm 110:1 - David calling the Lord his LordGalatians 3:6-29 - Abraham's true offspring through faithGalatians 4 - Children of promise like IsaacTheological Concepts Discussed: Theophany vs. ChristophanyFederal headship in covenant theologyThe "angel of the Lord" in Old Testament appearancesCovenant succession and generational faithfulnessTwo powers of heaven in Jewish theologyRecommended Resources: "The Angel of the Lord: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Study" by Douglas Van DornMike Heiser's works on divine council and spiritual beingsJoin the Conversation: Have questions about covenant theology or Old Testament theophanies? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions! God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Connect With Us Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim FaithCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

    1 hr
  2. JUN 24

    The Abrahamic Covenant: Promise, Faith, and God's Unbreakable Word - Kingdom of God E7

    In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Michael and Tyler dive deep into one of Scripture's most foundational covenants. Through Genesis 15 and 17, we explore how God's promises to Abraham establish the theological framework for understanding His relationship with humanity and set the stage for the coming Messiah. Episode Overview The Abrahamic Covenant represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of God where God makes unconditional promises to Abraham that will shape the destiny of nations. From the smoking firepot ceremony to the institution of circumcision, these chapters reveal both God's sovereignty and faithfulness in ways that echo throughout the entire biblical narrative. Key Points Explored: The Covenant Ceremony in Genesis 15: Understanding the ancient ritual and its shocking twistFaith and Righteousness: How Abraham's belief was "counted to him as righteousness"Unconditional vs. Conditional Elements: Distinguishing between God's sovereign promises and human responsibilitiesThe Sign of Circumcision: Why God chose this particular mark for His covenant peopleName Changes: The theological significance of Abram becoming Abraham and Sarai becoming SarahLand, Seed, and Blessing: The three-fold promise and its ultimate fulfillment in ChristCovenant Structure: How this covenant becomes the template for understanding God's dealings with His people Scripture References: Genesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promise of descendantsGenesis 17:1-27 - The establishment of circumcision and name changesRomans 4:1-25 - Paul's exposition of Abraham's faith and justificationGalatians 3:6-29 - The covenant promises fulfilled in ChristHebrews 6:13-20 - God's unchangeable promise to Abraham Recommended Resources: "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"The Christ of the Covenants" by O. Palmer Robertson"God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Heaven Misplaced" by Douglas Wilson"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart Join the Conversation: How do you see the Abrahamic Covenant connecting to your daily faith? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your thoughts and questions! God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Connect With Us Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Mythic MissionCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #AbrahamicCovenant #Genesis #CovenantTheology #Faith #Promise #Abraham

    51 min
  3. The Mysterious Melchizedek: A Shadow of Christ- Kingdom of God E6

    JAN 27

    The Mysterious Melchizedek: A Shadow of Christ- Kingdom of God E6

    In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek, who appears briefly in Genesis 14 yet casts a long shadow throughout Scripture. Discover how this mysterious king-priest of Salem foreshadows Jesus and why the biblical authors repeatedly draw connections between them. Episode Overview This three-verse encounter between Melchizedek and Abraham becomes a theological cornerstone referenced again in Psalm 110 and extensively developed in Hebrews 6-7, establishing a crucial pattern that points to Christ's eternal priesthood. Key Points Explored: Melchizedek's unusual dual role as both king and priestThe significance of his name ("king of righteousness") and title ("king of Salem/peace")Why the author of Hebrews sees him as a type of ChristHow Psalm 110 connects Melchizedek to the coming MessiahThe theological implications of a priesthood that predates the Levitical system Scripture References: Genesis 14:18-20 - The original encounter with AbrahamPsalm 110:4 - "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"Hebrews 6:19-20 - Jesus as high priest in the order of MelchizedekHebrews 7:1-28 - The extended exploration of the Melchizedek priesthood Recommended Resources: "Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline Join the Conversation: Have questions about Melchizedek or other biblical figures? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions! God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Connect With Us Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #Melchizedek #Hebrews #Christology #Priesthood

    38 min
  4. Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac- Kingdom of God E5

    11/07/2024

    Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac- Kingdom of God E5

    Episode Summary In this fifth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the covenant with Abraham, examining the significance of Isaac and Ishmael in the covenant narrative, and discussing how this relates to Islam within Kingdom theology. The episode builds on previous discussions of Abraham's calling from Babel to establish God's Kingdom purposes. Main Themes The Abrahamic Covenant God's commitment to Abraham as a pivotal development in the Kingdom narrativeThe significance of the covenant promises and their multifaceted fulfillmentHow Abraham's covenant differs from and builds upon previous covenants (Adamic and Noahic) Isaac as Covenant Heir The theological significance of Isaac as the child of promiseHow Isaac's birth fulfills God's supernatural promise to Abraham and SarahThe testing of Abraham's faith through the sacrifice of IsaacIsaac as a typological figure pointing toward Christ Ishmael and Alternative Covenant Paths The place of Ishmael in the biblical narrativeHow Ishmael's descendants relate to God's broader Kingdom purposesThe theological implications of Abraham's relationship with HagarThe covenant promises to Ishmael distinct from those to Isaac Kingdom Theology and Islam How Islam's theological claims relate to the Abrahamic covenantPoints of connection and divergence between Kingdom theology and Islamic traditionExamining the Islamic view of Ishmael as legitimate heir versus the biblical accountHow Christians can engage respectfully with Islamic perspectives on Abraham Scripture Deep Dive Genesis 12:1-3 - God's initial call and promise to AbrahamGenesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promises of land and descendantsGenesis 17:15-22 - God's promise of Isaac and blessing for IshmaelGenesis 21:1-21 - Birth of Isaac and sending away of Hagar and IshmaelGenesis 22:1-19 - The testing of Abraham and provision of the ramGalatians 4:21-31 - Paul's allegorical interpretation of Sarah and Hagar Theological Implications The concept of covenant as central to God's Kingdom agendaHow God works through chosen human agents to advance His KingdomFaith as the foundation of covenant relationship with GodThe tension between human action and divine sovereignty in covenant fulfillmentHow the Abrahamic covenant anticipates the new covenant in Christ Practical Applications Living as covenant people in a post-Christian worldHow Abraham's faith journey models trusting God in impossible situationsNavigating cultural and religious pluralism while maintaining theological convictionThe call to be a blessing to all nations as heirs of Abraham's covenantUnderstanding our place in God's ongoing Kingdom story Recommended Resources "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline"Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum Connect With Us Instagram: @godandothersmallstuffSend us your questions and thoughts via DM!Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Abraham #Isaac #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

    54 min
  5. The Tower of Babel, Abraham, and Empire- Kingdom of God E4

    08/09/2024

    The Tower of Babel, Abraham, and Empire- Kingdom of God E4

    Episode Summary In this fourth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the Tower of Babel narrative and its connection to Abraham's calling. Engaging with Peter Leithart's book "Between Babel and Beast," they examine how Abraham was called out from one empire to establish God's Kingdom, representing a pivotal contrast between human empire-building projects and God's alternative Kingdom vision. Main Themes The Tower of Babel as Empire The theological significance of humanity's first attempt at empire-buildingHow the Babel project represented human autonomy and rebellion against God's command to fill the earthThe tower as a symbol of consolidated human power in opposition to God's KingdomLanguage confusion as God's judgment on human pride and self-exaltation Empire vs. Kingdom The fundamental tension between human empires and God's Kingdom purposesHow empires throughout biblical history follow the Babel patternThe contrast between top-down coercive power and God's servant-leadership modelEmpire as an idolatrous alternative to God's rule and reign Abraham's Counter-Cultural Calling Abraham's call to leave Ur of the Chaldeans as a departure from empireHow God's covenant with Abraham establishes an alternative to Babel's ambitionsAbraham as the beginning of God's redemptive counter-empireThe significance of Abraham being called to be a blessing to all nations Scripture Deep Dive Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel narrative and God's judgmentGenesis 12:1-3 - God's call to Abraham to leave his homelandGenesis 10:8-12 - Nimrod's kingdom and the first biblical mention of BabelIsaiah 14:12-15 - Prophetic connections to Babel's tower-building ambitionsActs 2:1-11 - Pentecost as a redemptive reversal of Babel's language confusion Theological Implications The persistent human tendency toward empire-building throughout historyGod's consistent opposition to human attempts at absolute powerThe Kingdom of God as an upside-down alternative to imperial systemsHow God works through remnants and outsiders rather than through centers of powerThe theological importance of diversity and dispersion versus homogeneity and centralization Practical Applications Recognizing and resisting empire-thinking in contemporary Christian cultureFollowing Abraham's example of faith and counter-cultural livingBuilding Kingdom communities that contrast with worldly power structuresEmbracing God's call to be a blessing to others rather than elevating ourselvesCultivating a healthy skepticism toward centralized human power Recommended Resources "Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. KlineConnect With Us Instagram: @godandothersmallstuffSend us your questions and thoughts via DM!Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #TowerOfBabel #Abraham #Empire #BiblicalTheology

    37 min
  6. 03/26/2024

    Noah, the Flood, and the Kingdom- Kingdom E3

    In this third installment of God and Other Small Stuff's Kingdom of God series, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the story of Noah and the flood through the lens of Kingdom theology. This episode examines how the flood narrative represents both judgment on corruption and a renewal of God's Kingdom purposes. Episode Overview The story of Noah and the flood marks a pivotal point in God's Kingdom narrative. After humanity's extensive corruption of creation, God chooses to preserve a righteous remnant through whom He will continue His Kingdom purposes. This episode unpacks the theological significance of the flood as both judgment and cleansing, and how Noah serves as a second Adam figure in the ongoing Kingdom story. Key Points Explored: The flood as "de-creation" and the return to Genesis 1:2 conditionsNoah as a new Adam figure and covenant representativeThe cleansing waters of the flood as judgment and purificationGod's preservation of a Kingdom remnant through the arkHow the post-flood world represents a renewed creationThe ongoing effects of sin even after the flood Scripture References: Genesis 6:5-8 - God's grief over human wickedness and His decision to preserve NoahGenesis 7:1-16 - God's instructions for the ark and the coming of the floodGenesis 8:1 - God's remembrance of Noah and the sending of the wind/spiritGenesis 9:1-17 - The renewal of the creation mandate and the Noahic covenant2 Peter 2:5 - Noah as a "preacher of righteousness"Matthew 24:37-39 - Jesus' comparison of His return to the days of Noah Theological Connections: The parallels between creation and the flood narrativeHow Noah's story prefigures baptism and spiritual cleansingThe concept of remnant theology introduced through NoahGod's faithfulness to His creation despite human rebellionThe relationship between judgment and grace in God's Kingdom plan Recommended Resources: "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith Kline"The Lost World of the Flood" by John Walton and Tremper Longman IIIQuestions to Consider: How does the flood narrative challenge our understanding of God's judgment and mercy?What does Noah's role as a "second Adam" reveal about God's persistent Kingdom purposes?How might the concept of "cleansing waters" inform our understanding of baptism and spiritual renewal?In what ways does the Noahic covenant both continue and adapt God's original creation mandate? Join the Conversation: Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions! God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Want to explore more? Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical LifePilgrim FaithThe Classical Thinkery on Substack#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Noah #Flood #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

    1h 11m
4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

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The creators of God and Other Small Stuff have in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life.