Episodes

“Learning to Love the Gospels, Part 2” Josh and Betsy are back with Dr. Dan Doriani to discuss what makes each of the four gospels unique. Dan also shares about how he came to love the gospel of Matthew, and what gospel stories are deeply meaningful to him. Finally, he shares a bit about his own podcast, Working with Dan Doriani. Enjoy the second part of this conversation with a world-class biblical scholar. Show Notes: Dr. Doriani's podcast: "Working with Dan Doriani" Suggestions for future epi...

“Learning to Love the Gospels, Part 1” Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We all know about the four gospels. But do we love them? And what's wrong with just reading other parts of the Bible, like the Psalms or Paul's letters, while not focusing on the gospels? Josh and Betsy are joined by Dr. Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, to tackle these questions and more. Show Notes: Dr. Doriani's podcast: "Working with Dan Doriani" Suggestions for fu...

“The Messy Work of True Love with Jim Pocta Pt. 2” In the second part of this interview, counselor Jim Pocta shares how we can develop a culture of grace where all kinds of people are enveloped and discipled. Jim also addresses repentance, and how we can grow our witness to the world through a willingness to share our story. You will be blessed by the second part of this powerful interview. Show Notes: PCA's Report on Human Sexuality Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry (Book) Born Again This...

“The Messy Work of True Love with Jim Pocta Pt. 1” Josh and Betsy are joined by Jim Pocta, a ruling elder in the PCA, and a professional counselor who lives in Dallas, Texas. Jim joins them to talk about the messy work of true love. In first part of this interview, Jim shares his story, talks about the PCA's report on Human Sexuality, and talks about what the church can do to care for those with same-sex attraction. Show Notes: PCA's Report on Human Sexuality Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Pe...

“Worship Pt. 2: Working Your Worship Muscles” Josh and Betsy are back with the second half of their interview on worship with Jeremy Buzzard and Kerri Roberts. What should you do when you don’t feel like going to church and worshipping? Are worship and discipleship connected? How do we worship God with both our minds and our hearts? These are just some of the questions addressed in the second half of this lively conversation. Show Notes: NEPC's Worship Weekly Playlist (YouTube) Suggestions for f...

“Worship Pt. 1: Growing as Worshippers” Josh and Betsy are joined by Jeremy Buzzard and Kerri Roberts to discuss the topic of worship. What does it mean to be a lead worshipper? What is a worship culture? Where in the Scriptures do we see worship? This dynamic discussion with two incredibly gifted lead worshippers will sharpen your mind and warm your heart. Show Notes: NEPC's Worship Weekly Playlist (YouTube) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

“Getting Healthy for the Glory of God - Part 2” Josh and Betsy continue their discussion on why our health matters to God. Because Christians know that we are going to heaven after we die, it can be easy to neglect our bodies while we live. Praise God that this life isn’t all there is! However, that is no excuse to not care for our bodies. Check out the second part of a fascinating discussion on why God gave us bodies, why we should care for our bodies, and some practical tips on how to do that....

“Getting Healthy for the Glory of God - Part 1” Well, the holidays are upon us! And that means lots of cookies and sweets of all kinds. Josh and Betsy love sugar as much as the next guy, but where does our Christian faith come in when it comes to what we eat? Or more generally, how does our faith impact our relationship with our bodies in general? Josh and Betsy engage in a two-part discussion on why being healthy matters not just physically but also spiritually. Put the cookie down and check it...

“Exploring Social Media and Identity” Why do we all use Social Media? What do we get out of it? How does it affect us? What are its positives and negatives? In this episode, Josh and Betsy explore under the hood of Social Media and offer biblical analysis on how we should think about and use it. Become better equipped to engage on your favorite Social Media platform after listening to this episode. Show Notes: Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

“Atomic Habits: A Book Review” Habits! We all have them. Ones we like, ones we don’t like so much. On this episode of Intersect, Josh and Betsy talk about the book, Atomic Habits. What is the role of habits in the Christian life? What can we glean from this fascinating book? Whatever your habits, join Josh and Betsy for another conversation where church meets culture. Show Notes: Atomic Habits (Book) Eat the Buddha (Book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

“Exvangelicals — Deconstruction and Deconversion Pt. 2” In part two, Josh and Betsy continue their discussion on the trending Exvangelical phenomena. In this episode, they address how Christians should respond. Is evangelical still a label worth keeping? What should the foundation for the evangelical movement be in the future? Tune in and figure out where you land on this pressing cultural issue. Show Notes: Jen Hatmaker and the Power of De-Conversion Stories (Article) The Rise of #Exvangelical ...

“Exvangelicals — Deconstruction and Deconversion Pt. 1” Exvangelical. Have you heard the term? There is a growing number of people rejecting the label evangelical. Many are doing so for political reasons, but there are actually a number of factors at work. Josh and Betsy kick off season 4 with a provocative discussion on those who are deconstructing their evangelical faith. Show Notes: Jen Hatmaker and the Power of De-Conversion Stories (Article) The Rise of #Exvangelical (Article) A Pastor's So...

“Season 3 Recap” Josh and Betsy are back with a final episode of season 3. What a year it’s been! Josh and Betsy review the different episodes from this past season, from the various interviews they did to addressing hot topics like the transgender debate. They also offer a preview of where things are headed in season four! Join Josh and Betsy for another engaging and thoughtful discussion on the intersection of where the church meets our culture. Show Notes: Season 3 episodes – listen to them a...

“When Famous Christians Fall” Ravi Zacharias, Bill Hybels, Carl Lentz . . . What are Christians supposed to make of the downfall of prominent voices in evangelical spaces? In this episode, Josh and Betsy take a deep dive into the celebrity evangelical complex and what it says about the modern-day church. They also offer ways that Christians can be less immersed in evangelical celebrity culture and more locally rooted. Show Notes: On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision by Willia...

“Are We in a Teen Mental Health Crisis? Part 2” During the second half of this interview, Dr. Hanna brings an explicitly Christian perspective on questions of mental health. What can parents do? What should parents be thinking about? What is the root cause of this crisis? What resources are available to parents? You will find the second half of this interview just as enlightening as the first part. Show Notes: Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Ch...

“Are We in a Teen Mental Health Crisis? Part 1” Josh and Betsy interview Dr. Mohab Hanna, child and adolescent psychiatrist and published author, on the question of whether or not we are currently living in a teen mental health crisis. Dr. Hanna, who is a committed and thoughtful Christian, provides a helpful overview of the state of mental health among teens today. This is part 1 of a two-part interview. Show Notes: Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) Gentle and Lowly: The Hear...

“Equipping Families in the Trans Discussion” The trans discussion is out in the open like never before. Teens today don’t bat an eyelash when other students come out as trans. How can parents and other concerned adults come alongside teens and support them with biblical love and truth? In this episode, Josh and Betsy interview Julie Palekas, a longtime student ministry worker and a wise voice in the trans discussion. Listen and be equipped. Show Notes: Book: Embodied by Preston Sprinkle Book: Un...

“Understanding the Gender and Trans Debate” With the Equality Act now in the halls of congress, you may be wondering, “What is the state of the gender debate in America?” Josh and Betsy are here to help you understand transgender questions and positions being discussed today with their latest episode. They cover questions like: 1. What is this debate about? 2. What is Gender Dysphoria? 3. What does the bible say about gender issues? 4. What does science say about gender issues? 5. What does this...

“What Have You Been Reading?” In this episode, Josh and Betsy each share about a book that they have been reading recently. Josh shares about the book “Reading While Black” by Dr. Esau McCaulley, and Betsy shares about the book “The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard. Both of these books bring insights that will help Christians walk faithfully with the Lord. Show Notes: Reading While Black by Dr. Esau McCaulley The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard Questions? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

“Just Mercy: A Book Review” In this episode, Josh and Betsy discuss the book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Stevenson is the founder of Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), and his book has captured the attention of many as he talks about the importance of fighting injustice in society. These are relevant and crucial issues for white Christians in America to engage in. Show Notes: (Video) Grace, Justice, & Mercy: An Evening with Bryan Stevenson & Rev. Tim Keller (Article) 'Just Mercy' Author Bryan St...

“How Can Black and White Christians Model Unity in Divided America?” We live in a polarized country. How can Christians show our witness to the watching world? Pastor Stephen Splawn of First Northeast Baptist Church returns for a second conversation with Josh and Betsy. This episode focuses on how the church is doing with race relations in terms of our witness to the world. Pastor Stephen gives honest critique and helpful suggestions on how the church and individual believers can grow in this ar...

"Barriers and Bridges to Racial Unity Among Christians" In this episode, Josh and Betsy sit down with Stephen Splawn, the Pastor of First Northeast Baptist Church in Columbia, to talk about a necessary and controversial topic in America today: race relations in the church. Pastor Splawn’s transparency and biblical insight make this a "can’t miss" episode for our listeners, in particular White Christians desiring to understand the perspective of their Black brothers and sisters in Christ. Questio...

"2020 - What a Year!!!" Bonus holiday episode! 2020 has been hard, so Josh and Betsy conclude the year with a light-hearted conversation about different things they have experienced in 2020, including many of their favorite Christmas-related things. Nothing serious here, just good, clean fun. Hopefully this episode will provide a little holiday cheer to those who listen. Questions? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

"Confronting Homelessness in Columbia, SC and Beyond" In this episode, Josh and Betsy interview Craig Currey, CEO of Transitions Homeless Center in Columbia, SC. Craig dispels common myths about homelessness and provides practical ways that Christians can and should engage this challenge. Jesus told us to care about the least and the lost. Listen to this episode so that you will become better equipped to do just that. Show Notes: The Biblical Basis for Caring for the Homeless Transitions Homeles...