Dispensationalism has been all over theological and political media recently. It is often discussed but frequently misunderstood and, at times, dismissed by those who have never carefully examined it. As a framework for understanding the Bible, dispensationalism has taken many forms and expressions…

So what is dispensationalism?

Does it have historical precedent, or is it merely an invention of post-Enlightenment Zionists? Is dispensationalism forcing something onto the text that isn’t there, or is it simply drawing out a framework already embedded in the fabric of Scripture itself? What should dispensationalism look like? Can it be defined using the Bible itself?

In this episode, we take a closer look at the idea of God’s unfolding administration across time. Along the way, we challenge common misconceptions, reconsider false assumptions, and explore why a clear, biblically grounded understanding of dispensations matters for how we interpret the whole of God’s Word.

For this conversation, we are joined by Dr. James Fazio, Dean of Bible and Theology at Southern California Seminary, and co-editor and contributor to Discovering Dispensationalism: Tracing the Development of Dispensational Thought from the First to the Twenty-First Century.

Purchase Discovering Dispensationalism

For more information, please follow the link to read the notes for Episode 268.

Visit http://lfbi.org/learnmore

Whether you're familiar with Augustine or not, chances are you've encountered Calvinism and its core doctrines—especially the idea of unconditional election. Perhaps you have Reformed friends who hold to the belief that God has sovereignly chosen some individuals for salvation and others for damnation, entirely apart from their will. This deterministic view of salvation has become deeply embedded in much of Western Christianity. But what if we could trace this theological development to a specific moment in church history? What if we could say, with confidence, when and how this view was introduced—and argue that it was not part of the original Christian faith?

On today’s show, we take a critical look at one of the most influential figures in Christian history: Augustine of Hippo. We’re joined by Dr. Ken Wilson, Oxford-trained scholar and author of The Foundations of Augustinian Calvinism. In his historical research, Dr. Wilson demonstrates how Augustine’s later theology— particularly his embrace of determinism and unilateral grace — marked a significant departure from the teachings of earlier Church Fathers and laid the foundation for what would become Calvinistic theology.

To learn more on the topic, please read the notes included for this week’s episode.

Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore

We speak with Dr. Alan Shelby, Dean of LFBI, about the historical roots of a dispensational view of Scripture. Dr. Shelby explains the need for right divisions in understanding the Bible and emphasizes Dispensationalism as the hermeneutic that supports the most literal interpretation of the Scriptures. He defines Dispensationalism then highlights how it differs from other methods of interpretation that begin with human reasoning and often skeptical pre-suppositions. He explores the early modern roots and heritage of Dispensational thought, as well as the historical roots of positions such as premillennialism, the pretribulation rapture, imminent return of Christ and forms of Christian zionism. He traces these perspectives back to the very disciples of the twelve apostles, marking the connection of a fellowship of believers through God's Word that has lasted through history.

Visit: https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore

In Episode 3 we interview Pastor Greg Axe of Crest Bible Church and professor of Church History and Eschatology at Living Faith Bible Institute. In this episode Greg and Brandon discuss early church fathers, Roman power, gnosticism and docetism.