Category: Faith First

Have you ever faced an uncertain future? You’re not alone. In our latest Faith First podcast episode, Professor Erin Austin shares her insights on trusting God amidst the unknown.

Erin Austin, a seasoned assistant professor of business and marketing at Boyce College, reflects on her unique journey from corporate life to homeschooling and now academia. Her rich experiences have equipped her with a deep understanding of faith and trust in God’s plan, even when the future seems hazy.

In this episode, Erin delves into the essence of trust and faith. She opens with a thought-provoking quote from Jerry Bridges’ book, “Trusting God,” reminding us that, “It’s easy to trust God when a process of events turns out as we would desire.” But how do we maintain trust when the future is uncertain?

Recognizing Unknown Seasons

Erin notes that life is often a series of unknowns. From starting college with a set plan to facing unexpected family situations, we continually encounter instances that challenge our ability to trust. She emphasizes that recognizing God’s sovereignty in all situations is crucial, whether we are aware we’re in an unknown season or when things deviate from our plans.

Practical Steps to Trust God

1. Daily Trust and Obedience: Erin underscores the importance of being in God’s Word, surrounding ourselves with godly community, and maintaining a consistent prayer life. Simple acts like praying and reading scripture can anchor us in truth, even when reality seems uncertain.

2. Seeking Godly Counsel: Erin shares personal stories of receiving hard, yet loving, truths from godly mentors. Sometimes, it’s those sharp yet tender admonitions from others that draw us closer to God and strengthen our trust in Him.

3. Embracing Discomfort: She also speaks to the discomfort that often accompanies waiting and the unknown, encouraging us to see these times as opportunities to deepen our faith.

Resources for Encouragement

For those looking for additional encouragement, Erin recommends books like “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom and “Johnny: The Story of John Erickson Tada.” These narratives of faith amid drastic unknowns provide a powerful testament to God’s unchanging faithfulness.

Joy and Trust in the Midst of Uncertainty

Erin also highlights the significance of joy in our journey. Proverbs 31 mentions a godly woman who “laughs at the time to come,” a reflection of deep-rooted trust in God’s unchanging character and His control over the future.

Faithfulness in Uncertain Seasons

Erin concludes with a beautiful reminder that faithfulness involves continually turning back to God, recognizing His sovereignty, and seeking joy in His unchanging goodness. Trusting God isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing and relying on the One who does.

Ana Lee and Erin Austin encourage us to remember that God’s steadfast love is better than life itself. Whatever season you’re currently in, let their words inspire you to trust in the Lord with all your heart.

The Faith First Podcast is available on all podcast platforms. Don’t miss this insightful and comforting episode with Professor Erin Austin. Listen today!
For more information about Boyce College, visit BoyceCollege.com and follow us on social media @BoyceCollege.

Have you ever wondered why theology matters? If so, you’re not alone. In our latest episode of the Faith First Podcast, Dr. Kyle Claunch, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary, sheds light on the importance of theology in the life of every believer.

Dr. Claunch, with his extensive background as a pastor and theologian, takes us on a journey from his early life in a Christian home to his calling in ministry. He passionately discusses why theology is not just for scholars but for every Christian who seeks to live a life of faithfulness to God.

The Roots of a Theologian

Dr. Claunch’s story begins in a household deeply rooted in faith. His father, a pastor, and his mother, a children’s ministry worker, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the gospel from an early age. He recalls his conversion at the age of seven and a distinct sense of calling to ministry during a mission trip at thirteen. This early formative period was pivotal in shaping his love for theology.

Theology in Everyday Life

“So, what is theology for everyday life?” Ana Lee, our host, asks Dr. Claunch. He explains that theology, at its core, is the pursuit of the knowledge of the one true and living God and understanding everything in relation to Him. No matter who you are or what life stage you’re in, knowing God should shape the way you handle relationships, challenges, and life decisions.

Dr. Claunch emphasizes that everyone is a theologian to some extent. Our views of God, even if incorrect or incomplete, influence how we interpret the world. Understanding and knowing God through biblical theology ensures that our lives are aligned with his purposes.

The Importance of Biblical Theology

Why does it matter that our theology is biblical? The Bible is the very Word of God. It is through Scripture that God has revealed himself to us. A correct understanding of theology must be grounded in the Bible to avoid misconceptions and false views of God.

At Boyce College, every student must take at least two systematic theology classes, regardless of their major. This requirement underscores our belief that sound theology is essential for a well-rounded and faithful Christian life.

Applying Theology Practically

Dr. Claunch shares practical steps for applying theology in our everyday lives:

1. Daily Scripture Reading and Prayer: Commit to a routine of reading the Bible and praying daily. Start simple and build from there.
2. Engage with the Local Church: Be part of a community where you can hear good preaching and teaching. Being active in a local church is crucial for spiritual growth and theological understanding.
3. Read Faithful Theological Works: For those looking to dive deeper, Dr. Claunch recommends accessible theological resources such as the Crossway series “Short Studies in Systematic Theology.” For advanced readers, he recommends works by seasoned theologians, like Dr. Wellum’s “Introduction to Systematic Theology Vol 1.”

Heart Knowledge vs. Head Knowledge

Understanding theology is not merely about accumulating facts but about knowing and loving God. Dr. Claunch asserts that if our theological knowledge does not transform our lives and character, the issue lies in our understanding and relationship with God. True knowledge of God results in worship and transformation.

Connecting Theology to the Gospel

The gospel is intrinsically theological. It is the good news that, despite our sinfulness, God sent his Son to live the perfect life we could not, die for our sins, and rise again, offering us eternal life. Theology and the gospel are intertwined, revealing who God is and his redemptive work through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness in Theology

Faithfulness in theology means ordering our lives according to God’s word and His way, consistently seeking to know him, and aligning our lives with his truth. This process begins and ends with worship. A faithful life reflects a heart that recognizes God’s sovereignty and goodness.

Dr. Claunch’s insights remind us that theology is not just an academic exercise but a vital part of living a faithful Christian life.

For more about growing in faith and understanding theology, tune into the Faith First Podcast and visit BoyceCollege.com. Follow us on social media @BoyceCollege for more insightful content and updates.

The Faith First Podcast is available on all podcast platforms. Click here to listen on your platform of choice!