How much did John Wesley shape C. S. Lewis’s vision of Narnia? In this interview clip, Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken and Dr. Matt O'Reilly explore the surprising ways Lewis may have drawn on Wesley’s theology of creation and animal life. Lewis cites Wesley’s sermon "The General Deliverance" in The Problem of Pain when wrestling with the suffering of animals—a full decade before writing The Chronicles of Narnia. We discuss how Wesley’s eschatological hope for the renewal of creation echoes in Lewis’ portrayal of talking beasts, the dignity of Aslan’s creatures, and the deep moral order of Narnia. If you’re interested in the connections between theology, literature, and the imagination, this conversation will give you a fresh lens on Lewis, Wesley, and the hope of a redeemed creation. This is a clip from a longer conversation. Listen to the whole thing here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xu9pu-194517a Or watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uLWdjlWMCek Read "The General Deliverance by John Wesley: https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-60-the-general-deliverance/ Read The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/4pjCY7g Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken is a member of the faculty at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Dr. Matt O'Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham in Alabama.  ----- GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly talks with Dr. Brian Yeich about John Wesley’s sermon The General Spread of the Gospel. Wesley envisions a future of global gospel advance grounded in the holiness of God’s people. While often overlooked today, Wesley’s optimistic eschatology—sometimes described as postmillennial—offers a powerful reminder: holiness is essential to the mission of the church. Read "The General Spread of the Gospel" NOW:  https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-63-the-general-spread-of-the-gospel/ Wesley called holiness the “grand depositum” God entrusted to Methodists. He also warned that the lack of holiness in the church is the “grand stumbling block” to the conversion of the nations. What can Wesley teach us about the hope of gospel expansion, the urgency of sanctification, and the mission of the church in our own time? GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) MORE ABOUT DR. BRIAN YEICH Brian’s passion is helping people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ whether it is in the context of the community, the local church, or the academy. He is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church, Trinity Conference, and has pastored 11 years in both large and small congregations as well as a church re-start. Including his previous role at Asbury Theological Seminary as Assistant Provost, Brian has over eight years in theological education leadership. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary teaching in the areas of Church History, Wesley Studies, and Pastoral Formation. Brian is currently appointed as Missional Discipleship Coordinator with World Methodist Evangelism in partnership with the Inspire Movement, a missional discipleship network based in the United Kingdom. Along with his wife, Misty, Brian works with congregations and church leaders to mentor and train them in developing cultures of missional discipleship in their contexts through Inspire Bands and House Fellowships. He completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Philip R. Meadows with the University of Manchester/Cliff College (England) in the spring of 2015. Brian’s PhD research focused on the doctrine of Christian perfection and its implications for the theology and practice of evangelism under the title, The Doctrine of Christian Perfection as a Vision for Evangelism. He is a contributor to The Faith Once Delivered produced by the Next Methodism summit. Brian holds a B.S. in Management and a M.B.A from Louisiana Tech University. He also holds a M.Div. and D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary.  He enjoys tinkering on cars, technology, and spending time with his family. Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

In this video, I sit down with Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken (Oklahoma Wesleyan University) to discuss John Wesley’s profound sermon "The General Deliverance." This sermon tackles one of the hardest questions in Christian theology: How can a just and loving God respond to a world filled with unjust suffering? Wesley’s reflections on one aspect of the problem of evil. He argues that God’s justice and mercy extend not only to humanity but to all creation (including animals), offering a hopeful vision of redemption and renewal. In our conversation, Dr. Van Kuiken unpacks Wesley’s approach to theodicy, the question of suffering in Christian thought, and the ultimate hope of God’s deliverance for both people and the created order. We also talk about John Wesley's influence on C. S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain and the Chronicles of Narnia.  👉 Whether you’re a pastor, theologian, or simply wrestling with the question of evil and suffering, this discussion offers rich theological insight and practical hope. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of theology, Scripture, and contemporary issues. BOOKS BY JEROME VAN KUIKEN The Creed We Need: Nicene Faith for Wesleyan Witness https://amzn.to/3HDo1vL The Judas We Never Knew: A Study on the Life and Letter of Jude https://amzn.to/41l57Ay Read "The General Deliverance" by John Wesley  https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-60-the-general-deliverance/ Did John Wesley's eschatology develop from heaven to new creation? Randy Maddox takes up that question in Responsible Grace, pages 252-253. Get it here: https://amzn.to/4mXdrhZ GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

In this clip from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT), we talk about the upcoming 10th Annual CPT Conference: Good Shepherds – Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. Watch the whole conversation: https://youtu.be/ZjY2YwfAFDg?si=5QGzAiQEwlk-6ERj The CPT is focused on forming pastor theologians to shepherd the church in our complex world. We equip pastors as theologians, grounding local church ministry in robust yet accessible theology. From the conference website: "The church needs good shepherds, pastors who serve the body of Christ from a deeply rooted identity. We are at a pivotal time for the American church, a time when it is critical for pastors to be humble shepherds providing theological wisdom for the church as she navigates our complex world." I’m honored to be one of the plenary speakers at this year’s gathering. In our conversation, Joel shares why the CPT chose this theme, what pastors can expect, and why recovering a biblical vision of shepherding is critical for the health of the church today. 👉 Learn more about CPT and this year's Conference: https://www.cptconference.com/ If you’re a pastor, theologian, or church leader who cares about the future of the church, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Did you know the modern State of Israel wasn’t originally going to be called “Israel”? In this clip from my interview with Dr. Jason Staples, he explains the surprising history of how the nation’s name came about. Staples walks us through several alternative names that were proposed, and even reads from President Harry Truman’s notes, where “Israel” was penciled in at the very last minute. This historical detail not only sheds light on modern politics but also raises important questions about the meaning of “Israel” in Scripture and how it relates—or doesn’t relate—to the modern state. 📘 Check out the full interview with Jason Staples here → https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-32b8x-1932da7 📗 Get Jason’s Book: Paul and the Resurrection of Israel → https://amzn.to/3HDUMc0 ---------- 🧠 FREE RESOURCE: 4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff Good leadership depends on trust. Whether you lead a church, nonprofit, or workplace team, download my free guide with four practical practices to strengthen trust on your staff. 👉 Download here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust --------- GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

If you’re a pastor, you’re a theologian—whether you realize it or not. In this conversation, Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, explains why every pastor is already doing theology and why that role is central to faithful ministry. We discuss how pastors can embrace their theological calling and the dangers of neglecting it, and practical ways to weave deep, biblical reflection into preaching and pastoral leadership.. Whether you serve in the pulpit, lead a ministry team, or train future pastors, this interview will challenge and inspire you to see pastoral ministry as a profoundly theological vocation. ---------- 🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff" Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level. 👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust ---------- GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Pastors are more than sermon-givers—they are called to be theologians. In this sneak peek from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, we explore why the theological vocation of the pastor is essential for the church today. Full conversation coming soon—don’t miss it. GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle) GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/ Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF STUDIO GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO Camera (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/3TwUzJZ Shure SM7B Microphone: https://amzn.to/4ignf5b Cloudlifter Preamp: https://amzn.to/3OVbmnG Focusrite USB Audio Interface https://amzn.to/40icx61 Minisopuru Docking Station: https://amzn.to/4f32WW0 Neewer Studio Lights: https://amzn.to/3ZCFWsI Neewer Softbox w/ Grid: https://amzn.to/41dBDVS Neewer Camera Desk Mount: https://amzn.to/3OEEdN7 Scissor Clamp Light Mounts: https://amzn.to/4ikjprF Acoustic Panels: https://amzn.to/41he2DA Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3AZZ7mQ SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Across the Wesleyan-Methodist family, something remarkable is happening: churches and denominations are rediscovering the heart of their theological heritage—holiness. In this video, Matt O'Reilly and Bill Ury reflect on how various Wesleyan groups are recovering a robust, life-giving vision of holiness rooted in grace, love, and transformation. This isn’t about legalism or moralism. It’s about reclaiming the beauty of being made holy in Christ. 📘 Check out my book Free to Be Holy: https://amzn.to/4fdWwW4 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on holiness, theology, and discipleship: https://www.youtube.com/theologyprojectonline ▶️ Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/SX2oIq7NtIA ------------------- 🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff" Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level. 👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust ------------------- GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF SOCIAL https://www.instagram.com/mattoreillyauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/mattoreillyauthor https://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline https://twitter.com/mporeilly VISIT https://www.theologyproject.online https://christchurchbham.com This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.