Theologically Driven
A podcast for those who want to know God through his word and have that knowledge drive their decisions. Learn more at dbts.edu.
Episodes
Biblical Counseling and the Local Church w/ Jacob Elwart
On this episode of Theologically Driven, we talk with Dr. Jacob Elwart about biblical counseling and the local church.Register for E3 at https://e3pc.orgLearn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
DBTS Seminary Wives Institute w/ Claudia Doran
We talked with Claudia Doran about the DBTS Seminary Wives Institute. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Study Habits for Pastors and Seminary Students w/ Ryan Meyer
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Ryan Meyer about study habits for pastors and seminary students. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Spurgeon and the Downgrade Controversy w/ John Aloisi
On this episode of Theologically Driven, we talk with Dr. Aloisi about Spurgeon and his fight against the downgrade in the Baptist Union.Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
New McCune Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity w/ Ryan Meyer
Regular Baptist Press and Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary are pleased to announce the release of the one-volume McCune Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity. Purchase it on the RBP website. RBP: https://www.rbpstore.org/Products/5702/a-systematic-theology-of-biblical-christianity?srsltid=AfmBOoqk_nX1Ugzby6kyLzMkyPr08f8Nlhnz4CoIR7UPJzBtXK_UBFxgLearn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Church and Missions w/ Jeremy Pittsley
What is a missionary, biblically speaking—and why should the local church, not the individual, be at the center of missions? In this episode of Theologically Driven, Phil Cecil is joined by Jeremy Pittsley, a Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary professor and former missionary to Kenya, to unpack a biblical theology of church and missions.Jeremy walks through the definitions of "church" and "missi
Answering Objections to Animal Sacrifices in the Millennial Kingdom w/ Jeremy Pittsley
Does a literal sacrificial system in Ezekiel 40–48 contradict the finality of Christ's sacrifice in Hebrews? Jeremy Pittsley walks through the main interpretations of the millennial temple and answers the three most common objections to taking Ezekiel literally: that it's a retrogression to the Mosaic system, that it redefines atonement, and that it denigrates the sufficiency of Christ.Theological
On Writing w/ Mark Snoeberger
Does writing still matter once you're out of seminary? Dr. Mark Snoeberger joins Theologically Driven to make the case that good thinking and good writing go hand in hand — and that a well-researched paper is closer to a sermon than most pastors realize. He covers why every preacher should manuscript, how to write for the church instead of the academy, the discipline of setting work aside and retu
When Two Churches Become One: Lessons from a Church Merger w/ David Doran Jr.
Pastor David Doran Jr. of Resurrection Church in Lincoln Park joins Theologically Driven to talk about leading a church through a merger. Drawing on his own experience merging two congregations in 2019, David walks through why mergers are increasingly strategic for the church, the good reasons to merge (and the good reasons not to), how to tell whether two churches are truly compatible beyond thei
Financial Stewardship for Pastors and Seminary Students w/ John Aloisi
Financial planning for pastors doesn't require a big salary—it requires a plan. In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. John Aloisi joins us to talk about biblical financial stewardship for pastors, ministry leaders, and seminary students. We cover the one principle that matters most (spend less than you make and invest the difference), how to calculate your net worth and cash flow, the 4% ru
What Happens When a Culture Kills God? with Ryan Meyer and Jeremy Pittsley
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we review Carl Trueman's latest book, The Desecration of Man. Following The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self and Strange New World, Trueman argues that the West's rejection of God has led to the desecration of humanity itself, since humans bear God's image. We discuss his case that our culture's problem is not disenchantment but desecration, how technolo
The Content of Natural Law w/ Phil Cecil
Is God's moral law written on every human heart? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil continues the discussion of natural law, walking through the key New Testament passages—the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, Paul's sermons in Acts 14 and 17, and Romans 1, 2, and 13—including the debated question of whether Romans 2:14–15 describes believing or unbelieving Gentiles. The conversat
A Biblical Defense of Natural Law w/ Phil Cecil
What does the Bible actually say about natural law? In part two of our three-part series, host Phil Cecil and his guest make the biblical case that God has woven a real, knowable moral order into creation — one that even unbelievers can perceive.Guided by three questions (Is there an objective moral order? Has it been revealed? Can the unregenerate perceive it?), they walk through the key Old Test
Natural Law and God's Two Governments w/ Phil Cecil
In part one of a series on natural law, host Phil Cecil sits down to define natural law, distinguish it from natural theology and general revelation, trace why Protestants grew suspicious of it, and explore how it fits a dispensational, two-governments view of civil and redemptive life.Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Helping Someone Who Is Deconstructing Their Faith w/ Dave Marriott
What should you do when someone you love says they're "deconstructing" their faith? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil sits down with Pastor Dave Marriott of Lakewood Baptist Church, whose doctoral research focused on equipping the church to respond to deconstruction and deconversion. They discuss what true conversion is, the difference between deconstruction, deconversion, a
What did Paul teach about slavery? w/ Ryan Meyer
What did Paul actually teach about slavery — and does it speak to modern controversies? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil continues his conversation with Dr. Meyer about Paul's view of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. They examine key passages in Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, Titus, and 1 Corinthians 7 to understand what Paul commanded of both slaves and masters, whethe
Slavery in the Greco-Roman World w/ Ryan Meyer
In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil sits down with Dr. Ryan Meyer to explore one of the most challenging topics in New Testament studies: Paul's view of slavery. Before diving into Paul's letters, Dr. Meyer lays essential groundwork by unpacking what slavery actually looked like in the first-century Greco-Roman world — and it may surprise you.Dr. Meyer explains how slavery in
A History of the Reformation Part 2 w/ John Aloisi
Today on the podcast, we welcome Dr. John Aloisi to talk about the Protestant Reformation. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
A History of the Reformation Part 1 w/ John Aloisi
Today on the podcast, we welcome Dr. John Aloisi to talk about the Protestant Reformation. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Reformational View of Justification and Sanctification w/ Mark Snoeberger
Host Phil Cecil continues his conversation with Dr. Mark Snoeberger on one of theology's most debated distinctions — the relationship between justification and sanctification. After reviewing the Roman Catholic view from last week, they turn to Holiness theologies, tracing their roots through Wesley. Dr. Snoeberger unpacks Wesley's "sequence of graces," the concept of a second work of grace, and w
The Roman Catholic View of Justification w/ Mark Snoeberger
Preorder McCune's Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity here. What's the difference between justification and sanctification — and why does it matter? In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil sits down with Dr. Mark Snoeberger of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary to unpack two of the most important doctrines in Christian theology and explore how different traditions relat
Serving Kids with Disabilities
Today, we are joined by Ben and Wendy Russell to discuss how churches can serve kids with disabilities. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Unseen Realm and Idol Worship in Ancient Israel w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kyle Dunham about the syncritistic tendencies of worship in ancient Israel. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Holding Fast in Hebrews w/ Ryan Meyer
Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr. Ryan Meyer about holding fast in the book of Hebrews. Learn more about the Master of Divinity program at DBTS at https://dbts.edu/mdiv
Leadership in Joshua w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kyle Dunham about leadership in the book of Joshua. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Historic vs Trauma-Informed Biblical Counseling
Join us for a moderated debate exploring two influential approaches within biblical counseling: Historic Biblical Counseling (Marshall Adkins) and Trauma-Informed Biblical Counseling (Brad Hambrick). This debate will clarify key similarities and differences in how each framework understands Scripture, human suffering, trauma, sanctification, and the local church’s role in care. Our aim is a charit
What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? w/ Ryan Meyer
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ryan Meyer about Paul's view of homosexuality. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Biblical Languages w/ Jeremy Pittsley
We talk with Jeremy Pittsley about the importance of learning the biblical languages in seminary.Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn more about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice
The Davidic Covenant w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode, we talk with Kyle Dunham about the nature and fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
Counseling Anger w/ Jacob Elwart
In this episode, we talk with Jacob Elwart about counseling someone with sinful anger. Learn more about the Rice Lecture Series here: https://dbts.edu/rice
The Biblical Counseling Movement w/ Jacob Elwart
In this episode, we talked with Dr. Jacob Elwart about the history and current landscape of the Biblical Counseling Movement.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn More about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice
Undermining Islam w/ Ben Edwards
In this episode we talk with Ben Edwards about the key differences between Christianity and Islam.Learn more about the Rice Lecture Series here.
Understanding Islam w/ Ben Edwards
In this episode, we talk with Ben Edwards about what muslims believe. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu Learn more about Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice
The Synoptic Problem w/ Ryan Meyer
Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr Ryan Meyer about the Synoptic Problem in the gospels. Learn more about DBTSLearn more about the Rice Lecture SeriesDownload the synoptic chart here.
Philosophy and Worldview Apologetics w/ Mark Snoeberger
On this episode of Theologically Driven, we talk with Dr Snoeberger about philosophy and worldview apologetics.
The Use of Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2 w/ Ryan Meyer
Today on the podcast, we talked with Dr Meyer on his interpretation of Hebrews 2 in light of Psalm 8. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Kingdom of God in Dispensational Theology w/ Kyle Dunham
Today, we discuss the topic of kingdom in traditional dispensationalism. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Crucial Qualities for Credible Leadership with David Doran
Enjoy this workshop from our 2025 E3 Pastors Conference. Learn more about our 2026 E3 Conference here https://e3pc.orgLearn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
The Duty and Danger of Change w/ David Doran
Enjoy this workshop from our 2025 E3 Pastors Conference. Learn more about our 2026 E3 Conference here https://e3pc.orgLearn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
What is the Hypostatic Union? w/ Mark Snoeberger
In this episode, we discuss the Hypostatic Union with Dr Mark Snoeberger. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
What is the Incarnation? w/ Mark Snoeberger
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Snoeberger joins us to unpack the Incarnation. Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Canonical Closer Formulas in Ecclesiastes w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we delve into the enigmatic world of Ecclesiastes with Dr. Kyle Dunham. Explore the connections between wisdom literature and the Torah as we discuss canonical closure formulas and their implications on understanding the biblical canon. Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Faith, Football, and Life with Former Lions Kicker Jason Hanson
Join us in this episode of "Theologically Driven" as we welcome former Lions kicker Jason Hanson. Dive into Jason's compelling journey from an NFL career to a profound walk with faith. Discover how athletic discipline intersects with spiritual growth and hear Jason's unique insights on balancing a high-pressure sports career with a steadfast Christian life. Whether you’re intrigued by football or
Women of the Word w/ Faith White and Kelly Thomas
Today, we welcome Faith White and Kelly Thomas to share the story and structure of Inter-City Baptist Church’s Women of the Word (WOW) ministry. They trace its beginnings, pastoral oversight, and the Titus 2 model. They also explain how the study is organized (daytime, evening, and Zoom groups), and walk through the in-depth, Bible-first curriculum.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Preparing for the Mission Field w/ Jeremy Pittsley
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we welcome back Jeremy Pittsley to explore the often-overlooked realities of preparing for long-term missions. From the importance of theological training and cross-cultural readiness to the challenges of support raising and team dynamics, Jeremy shares hard-earned wisdom from his years of ministry in Kenya. Whether you're a seminary student, a church leade
What is biblical forgiveness? w/ Mark Snoeberger
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Mark Snoeberger joins the conversation to unpack what the Bible teaches about forgiveness. Is it just letting go of bitterness, or is it something deeper? Dr. Snoeberger explains how true forgiveness involves lifting shame, restoring relationships, and recognizing the role of genuine repentance. Through practical examples and biblical insight, this epis
On Stoicism, Wisdom, and Ryan Holiday w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil is joined by Dr. Kyle Dunham to explore the fascinating intersection between Stoic philosophy and biblical wisdom. Drawing from the teachings of ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and modern interpreters such as Ryan Holiday, the conversation delves into seven core principles of Stoicism and compares them with insights from Ecclesiastes, Pr
Review of An Introduction to the Making and Meaning of the Bible w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil welcomes Dr. Kyle Dunham to discuss Michael B. Shepherd’s new book, An Introduction to the Making and Meaning of the Bible. They explore how Scripture’s composition—especially in the Old Testament—reveals its message through narrative framed by poetry, editorial comments, and programmatic passages. Dunham highlights examples like Jacob’s and
What is Trauma-Informed Counseling? w/ Jacob Elwart
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we welcome Dr. Jacob Elwart for a conversation on trauma-informed counseling through a biblical lens. We define trauma, explore how Scripture speaks to suffering, forgiveness, anxiety, and hope, and contrast secular trauma-informed methods (e.g., EMDR, yoga, cinema therapy) with historic biblical counseling’s aim of spiritual transformation. Dr. Elwart disc
The Abrahamic Covenant as the Foundation for Missions w/ Kyle Dunham
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Dunham joins the conversation to explore his recent article published in the Spring 2025 edition of the Master's Seminary Journal. He presents a compelling case for the Abrahamic Covenant as the biblical foundation for missions, arguing that God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham and his seed is central to understanding the church's mission
What do dispensationalists believe about modern Israel? w/ Mark Snoeberger
In today's episode, we invite Dr Snoeberger on to explore the theological and political implications of the Abrahamic Covenant in relation to modern Israel. Prompted by recent comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the discussion dives deep into dispensationalist interpretations, the nature of Abraham’s seed, and how Christians and governments should view and interact with Israel
Obadiah: God’s Justice and the Day of the Lord with Ryan Meyer
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we sit down with Dr. Meyer to explore the often-overlooked book of Obadiah. What is its historical setting? Why does it matter today? We discuss the themes of God’s justice, the pride and downfall of Edom, and the hope of restoration for God’s people. Learn how Obadiah points us to the coming Day of the Lord and why this message still speaks to our liv
When Mercy Makes You Mad: The Theological Message of Jonah w/ Ryan Meyer
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Ryan Meyer joins the conversation to explore the theological message of the book of Jonah. While Jonah’s story is familiar, Dr. Meyer highlights its deeper purpose: exposing Jonah’s hard heart and pointing to God’s compassion for repentant sinners—even Israel’s enemies. The discussion covers Jonah’s historical context, the unique narrative style am
Homework in Counseling with Jacob Elwart
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Jacob Elwart joins us to discuss the role of homework in biblical counseling. He explains how assignments help extend discipleship beyond the counseling room, keeping counselees engaged with Scripture, prayer, and practical application throughout the week. We talk about how to tailor homework to each person, what makes it effective, and how it encourage
The Secret to Contentment with Jacob Elwart
Contentment is not natural but a learned skill, as Paul states in Philippians 4. Today Dr. Elwart highlights that a lack of contentment often stems from bitterness or questioning God's goodness, which can sideline our service to Christ. To grow in this area, we need to focus on four key aspects: perspective, responsibility, recognizing where true satisfaction comes from, and understanding God's pr
What does "this generation" mean in Matthew 24:34? with Ryan Meyer
In this episode of Theologically Driven, Dr. Ryan Meyer discusses his new book exploring the meaning of “this generation” in Matthew 24:34. He examines how this phrase has shaped eschatological debates and argues that it refers not to a time-bound group, but to a rebellious lineage within Israel. Drawing from Deuteronomy 32 and other biblical texts, Meyer explains how this generation persists unti
From Mission Field to Faculty: A Conversation with Jeremy Pittsley
In this episode of Theologically Driven, we welcome Jeremy Pittsley, the newest faculty member at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeremy shares his journey from seminary student to missionary in Kenya, and now back to DBTS as a professor of Biblical Languages and Literature. He reflects on formative experiences, influential professors, and the calling that led him to serve in pastoral t
How did seminary help prepare you for ministry? w/ Aaron Berry
Phil Cecil and Aaron Berry talk about how seminary helps prepare young men for ministry and why it is an important step in training for local church ministry. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn more and Register for the E3 Pastors Conference at https://e3pc.orgThe conference will be held on October 16–17, 2025.
Even Bible College Students Need the Gospel w/ Jim Tillotson
Jim Tillotson is the President of Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary. We talked with him about the greatest challenges facing college students today. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Decision Making and the Will of God w/ Mark Snoeberger
We talk in this episode to Dr Mark Snoeberger about how to make biblical decisions instead of chasing the secret will of God. Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Is finding the will of God a pagan idea? w/ Mark Snoeberger
We talk with Dr Mark Snoeberger about what Deuteronomy 18 has to say about finding the will of God. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
Pastoral Preaching with Dr Richard Caldwell
We are joined by Dr Richard Caldwell to talk about the relationship of preaching to pastoral ministry. Dr Caldwell encourages pastors to be faithful to the task of shepherding through the faithful exposition of the word. Learn more about DBTS at https://dbts.edu
From Pilot to Professor: The Life and Ministry of Dr Bruce Compton
Join us on this episode of Theologically Driven as we talk with Dr Bruce Compton about his life and ministry.Learn More about Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary at https://dbts.edu
Echoes of Ecclesiastes in John's Gospel with Kyle Dunham
We talked with Dr. Kyle Dunham about his most recent article in the Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal. You can download the article here: The House of Feasting and the House of Mourning: Ecclesiastes and John in Establishing Jesus as the Consummate Sage
Does John 5 teach Eternal Generation? w/ Mark Snoeberger
Phil Cecil talks with Dr. Mark Snoeberger about the meaning of John 5:26 as it relates to the debate on Eternal Generation.
Pietism and Engaging Conflict with David Doran
Pietism hurts conflict resolution. Dr. David Doran discusses a better way to engage in conflict.
Hope Explored with Elliott Martin
Phil and Elliott Martin discuss the outreach Bible study, Hope Explored. We discuss the theme and ways to use outreach Bible studies in the local church. Listen to our episode on Evangelist Bible Studies hereLearn more about DBTS here
Training for Kids Ministry Volunteers with Riley Woodfin
Perhaps you have struggled to get all your church's kids workers on the same page and moving in the right direction. A ministry training seminar might just be the thing to help train up new workers and get everyone on the same page. We talked with Riley Woodfin about how to plan and a training seminar for kids ministry volunteers. Learn more about DBTS at dbts.edu
How to Interpret the General Epistles and Revelation with Ryan Meyer
We talked with Ryan Meyer about how to study the general epistles and Revelation. Revelation brings several interpretive challenges, such as symbolism and prophecy. We discuss this and more on this episode of Theologically Driven.
How to Study the Pauline Epistles
We talk with Dr Meyer about the context and theme of the Pauline Epistles. We also talked about tracing the argument of Paul's message.
How to Study the Gospels with Ryan Meyer
Today, we talk about how to study the gospels.
How to Study the Prophetic Books w/ Ryan Meyer
Today, we talked with Dr Meyer about how to study the prophetic books.
Preaching Christ from the Old Testament w/ Jon Moreno
We talked with Jon Moreno about the merits and methods of preaching Christ from the Old Testament.You can access the notes and media from the Rice Lecture Series here: https://dbts.edu/rice/
How to Study the Poetic Books w/ Kyle Dunham
Today we talked with Kyle Dunham about how to study through the Poetic books.
How to Study the Historical Books w/ Kyle Dunham
We talked with Dr Dunham about how to study through the historical books and how to wrestle with some of the problems that may come up.
How to Study the Pentateuch w/ Kyle Dunham
Today we talk about how the Pentateuch sets the foundation for the rest of Scripture. As well, we address several problems that come up when studying the first five books of the Bible.
Redemption and Kingdom: How does the whole Bible fit together?
Phil Cecil and Mark Snoeberger talk about the two Kingdoms of God and the central theme of the whole Bible. Learn more about DBTS at DBTS.edu
Religion, Spirituality, and Wonder with Kyle Dunham
We live in a post-secular age. Spirituality is on the rise but is often devoid of any Biblical principles. We talked with Dr Kyle Dunham about how Ecclesiastes reignites wonder towards God in a fallen world.Learn more about DBTS at dbts.edu
How to Understand the Bible with Mark Snoeberger
We talked with Mark Snoeberger about the Historical Grammatical and Theological method for understanding Scripture.
Where did Christian Platonism come from? with Mark Snoeberger
We talked with Mark Snoeberger about the history of hermeneutics and the recent return to premodern exegesis.
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