SEVEN MINUTE SEMINARY
Video Archive
How We Get Paul's Theology Wrong
Ben Witherington maintains that behind Paul’s theologizing in Romans and other letters is not abstract ideas like God’s sovereignty, grace, nor even some order of salvation. Rather, it is stories—including that of Adam, Moses, and Jesus. This is what we might call Paul’s narrative thought world.
What is Covenant?
What is covenant according to the Bible? In this Seven Minute Seminary, Dr. John Walton explains that a covenant is more than a political agreement, administrative concept, or a promise. In the Old Testament, the covenant is God’s initiative to reveal himself so that by knowing God, they might have a relationship with him.
Who Wrote the Gospels?
Who wrote the Gospels? Higher criticism of the Bible challenges the traditional attributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In this Seven Minute Seminary, Ben Witherington explains how authority and authorship worked in the ancient world and how this relates to the four Gospels.
Have Some Spiritual Gifts Ceased?
In this Seven Minute Seminary, theologian Frank D. Macchia charitably discusses both positions on what can be a divisive topic—the so-called “charismatic gifts” debate. He seeks to understand and accurately articulate the position that the charismatic gifts have ceased, but ends up arguing for their continuation in the church.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
In this Seven Minute Seminary, Dr. John Oswalt shares how the Holy Spirit is given to empower our lives so that we may fulfill the new covenant God has for his people. In this way, he demonstrates that there is clear continuity between the presentations of the Spirit of God in the Old and New Testaments.
The Gospel and Work
Most of us have jobs that we need to attend, and most of the time we don’t want to be there. We view work as a burden, but what does work really mean? Does the gospel have anything to say about work? Dr. Greg Forster discusses a theology of work in this Seven Minute Seminary.
Introduction to the Book of Romans
Dr. Ben Witherington III offers us an introduction to the book of Romans, highlighting key points of background history that are important to keep in mind as we read the letter. In doing so, he reminds us that the work is an occasional letter, not a systematic treatment of or introduction to Christian doctrine.
Orality, the Bible, and the African Imagination
In this Seven Minute Seminary, Dr. Gregg Okesson discusses the oral culture of the Bible and how this relates to modern African Christianity, revealing that literacy and orality are not to be posited against one another.
Genesis 2 and the Ancient Near East
How should we understand Genesis 2 in light of Genesis 1? What are the issues involved? Is Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 portraying the same event? Dr. Sandy Richter leads us in discussion on how to read Genesis 2.
What is the Ancient Near East?
What is the ancient Near East? Is it useful for understanding the Bible? Dr. John Walton explains that without knowing the ancient background to texts, we may be tempted to fill in the gaps with our own modern cultural notions rather than the ones the biblical text assumed.
The Hippocratic Oath for Serving the Needy
Dr. Robert Lupton shares six points based on the ancient physician’s Hippocratic Oath that might help direct the church’s service to the needy.
Assessing the Prosperity Gospel
Dr. Frank D. Macchia assesses the merits of the so-called “Prosperity Gospel.” He begins by highlighting the importance of defining what we mean by prosperity,
The Story of Noah
How should we understand the story of Noah in Genesis 6-9? What are some of the issues involved? Dr. John Walton of Wheaton College explains.
Christianity and the Free Market
Dr. Bob Lupton of FCS Ministries shares a perspective on a topic seldom talked about in church. He advocates a view of Christianity and the free market that recognizes wealth-creation as a spiritual gift.
Post-Christendom and the Church
What is post-Christendom and what does this mean for how the church engages in gospel ministry? Chris Backert of Ecclesia Network and Missio Alliance shares.
Evangelism in the 21st Century
What should evangelism look like in the 21st century vs. old paradigms? How might the Bible inform this understanding? Dr. Bob Stamps shares with us.
Remarriage and Divorce in Biblical Perspective
What does the Bible teach about remarriage and divorce? Are there ever exceptions? Dr. Craig Keener leads us in a sensible discussion on a very sensitive and pressing subject. Watch this for information on remarriage and divorce in biblical perspective.
Reading Genesis 1 in Context (Part II)
How should we understand Genesis 1-2 in context? What are the issues involved? Dr. Sandy Richter leads us in an introduction to these few chapters that are so foundational to the Christian faith. She argues that the central question for readers of the biblical text should be, “What is this author trying to say?”