Ecclesiology

12 Misconceptions About Protestants and Baptists (with Gavin Ortlund)

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

Brandon Smith and Gavin Ortlund discuss 12 misconceptions about Protestants and Baptists, including: Protestants invented a new church, sola scriptura is anti-tradition, Protestants removed books from the Bible, and Baptists reject sacraments. Check out Gavin’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthUnites

Watch this on YouTube at youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Resources:

– What It Means to Be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund: https://amzn.to/4c8m2fq
– Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church by Brandon Smith: https://amzn.to/4t9yG3S
– Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands by Michael Haykin: https://amzn.to/4ckdLDR
– The Lord’s Supper by Thomas Watson: https://amzn.to/4taz565
– The Center for Baptist Renewal: https://centerforbaptistrenewal.com
– Conversation with Matthew Levering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34pwyhXiTsI

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Production and editing: Cody Barnhart.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

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Debunking 4 Myths About Nicaea

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

Brandon Smith debunks four common myths about Nicaea: (1) Nicaea invented the Trinity; (2) Nicaea invented the New Testament; (3) Constantine invented orthodoxy; (4) Nicaea was Athanasius vs. Arius.

Watch this on YouTube at youtube.com/@churchgrammar.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Production and editing: Cody Barnhart.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Nicaea’s Legacy Then and Now (with Mark Smith)

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Mark Smith of the University of Cambridge. We discuss Nicaea’s reception and authority in Ephesus and Chalcedon (1:30), exegetical arguments around the early councils and creeds (9:50), Protestant reception of the creeds (24:48), and more. Read his book, The Idea of Nicaea.

We’re now on YouTube! Please subscribe and share: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

6 Reasons I’m a Baptist

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

In this video, Brandon Smith offers six reasons why he is a Baptist. These six reasons are a basic foundation for Baptist beliefs that most Baptists historic and modern can affirm. For a helpful introduction to Baptist theology, see Emerson and Stamps, The Baptist Vision.

We’re now on YouTube! Please subscribe and share. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Is Catholic-Protestant Unity Possible? (with Matthew Levering)

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Levering of Mundelein Seminary. We discuss Catholic beliefs on topics such as how to agree and disagree with the Pope and Catholic doctrine (1:03), the latest discussions about Mary as Co-Redemptrix (23:19), the possibility of Catholic-Protestant unity (32:39), and more. Read his books.

We’re now on YouTube! Please subscribe and share. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Jamin Goggin on Pastoral Sins, Confession, and Accountability

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jamin Goggin of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss pastoral power (2:35), pastoral confession (11:37), pastoral pride (25:02), and more. Get the book here.

*** We’re expanding to YouTube! Please subscribe and share, as we’ll be launching in 2026. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Joshua Heavin and Caleb Wait on the Nicene Creed Among Protestants

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Joshua Heavin and Caleb Wait of the Passages podcast. We discuss the genesis of their Passages podcast on Nicaea (1:29), the Nicene Creed in our different Christian traditions and denominations (13:05), and more.

We’re expanding to YouTube! Please subscribe and share, as we’ll be launching in 2026. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Andrew Walker on Charlie Kirk, the Future of Conservatism, and Baptist Political Theology

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Andrew Walker of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk (1:41), the various coalitions in and future of conservative politics (12:21), Christian influence on politics from a Baptist perspective (36:36), and more. Read Andrew’s books.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

James Wood on Postliberalism, Political Theology, and the Church’s Witness

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. James Wood of Redeemer University. We discuss postliberal political theory (3:56), the church’s witness in the world (22:49), Christian nationalism and church/state relations (40:19), and more. Check out James’s podcast, The Civitas Podcast.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

David Hogg on Medieval Theology’s Relationship to Nicaea and the Reformation

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. David Hogg of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss studying medieval theology before it was cool (2:42), the relationship between Nicaea and the Medieval period (9:43), the papacy in Christian history (19:25), the relationship between the Reformation and the Medieval period (27:41), what evangelicals can learn from the Medieval period (34:14), and more. Check out his book on Anselm of Canterbury.

This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the newest version for free for two months(!): www.logos.com/cg.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS