What are the essentials of the faith? How do we teach our members and remember them ourselves? We can look at the recurring themes in the speeches in Acts, or the 7 ones of Ephesians 4, or the basic elements laid out in the early Christian creeds. But what if those same basic elements are displayed dramatically in our baptism? In this ninth episode (and part 2 of our "theologically grounded" discussion), we explore the gospel which defines the essence of our faith, and learn how to read Scripture through the lens of that central message, confessed by every believer in the act of baptism itself.

My featured guest today is Dr. Scott Adair. Scott is a professor of theology, Bible, and ministry at Harding University (Searcy, AR). In his speeches at lectureships, youth ministry conferences, in academic papers, and in a recent book, Dr. Adair is promoting his gospel project--which includes a very "handy" exercise which helps you teach anyone--at any age--the truths of the gospel that define our faith.

In this episode, we cover several interesting topics, including:

• Was there a "gospel" or even a "word of God" before the New Testament?  (1:40)
• How does our baptism ceremony proclaim and enact the gospel? (6:41)
• What is the theology IN baptism (not OF baptism)? (8:56)
• What are the core tenets of the Christian faith? (10:43)
• "Fingers of Faith": What is a handy way to remember the 7 core tenets? (12:13-28:16)
• How does the gospel project move us neither left nor right, but deeper? (29:33)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Dr. Adair:

• Nathan's substack article featuring the interview with Scott
• Scott Adair's Harding faculty bio
• Scott's chapter in the new book Scripture First
• Scott's earlier article "Reading Scripture Baptismally" in Christian Studies
• Short videos for your church or class: Fingers of Faith

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys