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In this episode of The Shepherd’s Study, Dr. Bookman discusses the doctrine of biblical inerrancy—why it is under greater pressure today than during the classic debates of the 1970s and 1980s.Bookman traces the history of the modern inerrancy controversy, beginning with the Evangelical Theological Society’s simple doctrinal affirmation and the high-profile debates that led to the production of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. He contrasts the earlier clear divide between inerrantists and errantists with the present situation, in which many who still claim the label “inerrantist” embrace approaches that functionally allow historical errors.Key topics and resources discussed include:Bookman argues that event revelation (historical narrative) is essential to knowing God, that a priori commitment to inerrancy has historically driven careful resolution of apparent difficulties, and that a “nuanced” or “mature” inerrancy that permits invented details ultimately undermines the reliability of Scripture. He closes with a call for a clearer, more vocal defense of classical biblical inerrancy within the evangelical academy and church.

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Study, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Pittman, Associate Professor of Leadership and Research and Vice President of Academics at Shepherd’s Theological Seminary. Dr. Pittman discusses his new book on biblical leadership and the crisis facing the American church—celebrity pastors, the “pastor as CEO” model, seeker-sensitive pragmatism, declining numbers, pastoral attrition, and widespread distrust of clergy. He argues that these problems stem from a loss of confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and offers a return to biblical principles: responsibility, servant leadership modeled by Christ, elder qualifications, faithfulness over numerical success, shepherding over managing, plurality of leadership, and true discipleship.Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or Christian man seeking to lead well in the home or church, this conversation points us back to the only reliable foundation for godly leadership—the Word of God.

In this older recording, Dr. Miller sits down with Dr. Chuck Quarles (Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) to dig deep into the Sermon on the Mount. Drawing from Quarles’ extensive work on Matthew—including his commentary on the Sermon—they explore why Matthew places this discourse so early, who the original audience was, and how the Beatitudes describe the process of salvation and the transforming work of the new covenant.They tackle key interpretive questions: What does it mean that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? How should we understand “salt of the earth”? Did Jesus abolish or fulfill the Law? How do commands like “turn the other cheek,” love of enemies, and “judge not” actually function? And what does the Sermon teach about the already/not-yet kingdom and authentic discipleship?A rich conversation on why the Sermon on the Mount is not an impossible ethic for a future age, but the normal (though imperfect) way of life for every true disciple of Jesus today.Book: Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church by Charles L. QuarlesWebsite: GospelofMatthew.net

Pastor Erwin Lutzer joins the conversation to discuss his book Hitler’s Cross and the companion volume When a Nation Forgets God. Drawing on his German heritage, Reformation tours, and extensive research, Lutzer explores how the church in Nazi Germany compromised with Hitler—through liberalism, nationalism, propaganda, and the co-opting of Christian symbols—and why those same pressures still threaten believers today.From the fusion of church and state, the power of cultural “streams,” the battle over parental authority, and the necessity of a law above the law, this episode unpacks hard historical lessons that call Christians to faithfulness rather than self-righteous judgment. Lutzer also highlights the courage of those who resisted, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemöller, and challenges listeners with a searching question: What price are we willing to pay to remain true to the gospel?Link to Lutzer's book: https://a.co/d/03FHsWpf

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Hartog, professor of theology at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary and specialist in second-century Christianity and patristics, to explore the reality of persecution and martyrdom in the early church.Hartog unpacks why Christians were targeted in the Roman Empire—from their exclusive monotheism and refusal to participate in pagan civic life to the specific (and strange-to-modern-ears) charges of atheism, cannibalism, and incest. He examines the nature of persecution (mostly local and sporadic rather than constant empire-wide campaigns), key martyr texts like the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne, and the story of Perpetua and Felicitas, and the rich themes that run through them: imitation of Christ, spiritual warfare, athletic and soldier imagery, God’s sovereignty, and suffering as a divine gift.We also discuss voluntary martyrdom, the debates over “episcopal flight,” and how the early Christians cultivated endurance and joy even in the face of death. Finally, Hartog draws practical lessons for the church today—encouraging solidarity with persecuted believers around the world and a mindset of faithful perseverance in every season.

What IS true Christian apologetics according to the Bible? Pastor Cliff McManis joins The Shepherd's Study to challenge popular approaches that rely on philosophy, natural theology, and arguments like the cosmological or ontological proofs (think William Lane Craig, RC Sproul, Norman Geisler). Instead, he calls for redeeming apologetics by returning to Scripture-centered defense: using the Bible to defend the gospel and hope in Christ — just as Jesus and the apostles did.

This powerful discussion covers:

• Why most seminary apologetics classes leave pastors disappointed
• The problem with "natural theology" and philosophical mastery requirements
• 1 Peter 3:15 in context: exalt Christ, share your hope!
• How epistemology, Romans 1, and satanic blindness change everything
• Practical tips: focus on Jesus/gospel, avoid winning arguments, be gentle
• Why every Christian (yes, even grandma!) is qualified to defend the faith

Cliff's book: Redeeming Apologetics: Restoring Biblical Supremacy in Defending the Christian FaithGet it here → https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Apologetics-Restoring-Supremacy-Defending/dp/1952221153

0:00 – Intro & Cliff's background3:45 – Defining apologetics biblically vs. philosophically12:20 – Critiquing quotes from Ram, Groothuis, Pearcey, Craig25:10 – Jesus & apostles used special revelation, not natural theology38:50 – 1 Peter 3:15 unpacked: hope in Christ, not theism48:00 – Epistemology, Romans 1, & satanic blindness1:05:00 – Practical mistakes Christians make & how to fix them1:15:30 – Recommended resources & final plea: proclaim the gospel!

In this powerful episode of the Shepherd’s Study, Dr. Joel Beeke (chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and author of over 100 books) shares why family worship is the single most important thing a parent will ever do for their children — and why it has become a forgotten discipline in our generation.

Drawing from his own upbringing, decades of pastoral ministry, worldwide teaching, and even a life-threatening encounter with the mafia, Dr. Beeke passionately explains the biblical mandate and historic practice of daily family worship (prayer, Scripture reading, instruction, and singing). He gives clear, practical steps for families to begin — whether you have toddlers or teenagers — and shares how the Family Worship Bible Guide and new children’s series have helped tens of thousands of families finally succeed at this vital practice.

You’ll hear moving stories (including John Paton and the cannibals) that show how consistent family worship has shaped generations of faithful believers. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, too busy, or unsure how to lead your family spiritually, this episode will both convict and equip you to start tonight.

“This may be the most important thing you’ll ever do for your children.” – Dr. Joel Beeke

Perfect for parents, pastors, and anyone who longs to see the next generation love and fear the Lord.

Purchase his book here: https://heritagebooks.org/products/family-worship-beeke.html?srsltid=AfmBOopBEr0-VoDNyhRBcExOyqN66JI8bjsguPuvDt6MVMMjyVFlMllu