In the season 3 premiere of Creating Space, Scott Lackey sits down with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and author of several books, including Bearing God's Name and Being God's Image, to explore her latest work, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Dr. Imes brings her scholarly expertise and relatable insight to unpack what it means to belong to God's family, why community is central to the Christian life, and how to walk through church hurt.

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Book Recommendations:

Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

On this episode of Creating Space, we are joined by Michael J. Gorman—an internationally-recognized New Testament scholar who holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore and author of major works such as Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary and Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross.

Dr. Gorman introduces his latest volume, 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary, which reads Paul's letter to the Corinthian church through the lens of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity—inviting contemporary churches to embody those four marks of the church as deeply rooted in Christ and the cross.

Whether you're a pastor, student, or lay reader wanting to deepen your reading of 1 Corinthians, this discussion offers thoughtful theological, pastoral, and practical entry-points into the letter's enduring challenge and hope.

Recommended Reading:

1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral and Missional Commentary by Michael Gorman

Cruciformity by Michael Gorman

Inhabiting the Cruciform God by Michael Gorman

On this month's episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey is joined by Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation to explore his book Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis. Together, they dive into the life, ministry, and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, examining how his faith and courageous witness continue to challenge and inspire Christians today. This compelling conversation invites listeners to consider what true discipleship looks like in the face of cultural pressures.

Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Fuller Theological Seminary, along with advanced degrees in peace studies, theology, and religion. A leading scholar on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Anabaptist tradition, and Christian ethics, he has authored and co-authored numerous books, including works on discipleship and nonviolence. His teaching and writing have shaped conversations around the church's call to faithful witness in a complex world.

Book recommendations:

Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis by Mark Thiessen Nation

Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In this episode of Creating Space, we welcome Dr. Rodney Reeves, a seasoned scholar and pastor, to discuss his influential book, Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ. Dr. Reeves holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taught New Testament studies at institutions such as Northern Seminary, Southwest Baptist University, and Williams Baptist University. Currently, he serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In our conversation, Dr. Reeves delves into how Paul's teachings offer a transformative vision for Christian spirituality, emphasizing a cross-shaped life.

Additional resources

Spirituality According to Paul by Rodney Reeves

Spirituality According to John by Rodney Reeves

In this episode of Creating Space, host Scott Lackey examines the theological implications of the biblical statement, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated," as found in Romans 9:13. Through a detailed survey of Romans 9-11 and other relevant scriptural passages frequently cited in support of Calvinist doctrines of predestination and Reformed theology, Scott articulates a perspective that challenges the notion of divine predetermination of individual eternal destinies.

Scott engages with these texts to explore the historical and theological contexts of the passages, offering a critical analysis of their interpretation within Calvinist frameworks. By unpacking the complexities of these scriptures, this episode invites listeners to consider alternative readings of these texts.

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If you have further questions, please e-mail Scott at scottlackey@newstorybuffalo.com

Recommended Reading:

Reading Romans Backwards by Scot McKnight

Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary by Michael Gorman

Beyond The Salvation Wars by Matthew Bates

Paul's Letter to the Romans by Ben Witherington

God of the Possible by Greg Boyd

Four Views on Divine Providence

In this month's episode of Creating Space, we sit down with Dr. Lynn Cohick, Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University, to explore her recent research on 1 Peter 3 and its implications for wives today. Dr. Cohick unpacks the cultural and historical context of this often-debated passage.

Dr. Cohick hosts The Alabaster Jar Podcast through the Center for Women in Leadership. She has written commentaries on Ephesians and Philippians, as well as books on Christian Women in the Patristic World and Women in the World of the Earliest Christians. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that creates space for understanding Scripture's relevance for modern life.

#Church #christian #christianity #womeninchurch #1Peter #1Peter3 #kingdom #jesus #creatingspace #newstory #faith #formation #spiritualformation

In this episode of Creating Space, we welcome Kent Carlson, founding pastor of Oak Hills Church in Folsom, California, and co-author of Renovation of the Church. Kent shares the compelling journey of transitioning Oak Hills from a thriving, attractional model to a spiritually formational community. He candidly discusses the challenges faced, including confronting consumerism and personal ambition, and the difficult decisions that led to a decline in numbers but a deepening of spiritual health. Kent's story offers valuable insights for church leaders and members seeking authentic transformation over superficial success. Join us as we explore what it means to prioritize spiritual formation in today's church landscape.

Resources:

Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson & Mike Lueken

Join Scott Lackey on this month's episode of Creating Space as we dive into a compelling conversation about Spiritual Gifts and their relevance in today's Christian faith. Are these divine gifts still active in our modern world? From prophecy to tongues and discernment, we explore the biblical foundations of Spiritual Gifts and their purpose. Please tune in for an engaging discussion that will challenge and deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail Scott at scottlackey@newstorybuffalo.com