Who is Jesus—and what did he come to do? Luke 2 doesn’t answer those questions with abstract theology or lofty claims. It answers them with a story. In this episode, we slow down and listen carefully to Luke’s Christmas narrative—not as sentimental background music for the season, but as a bold theological proclamation. In a world ordered by empero…

People frequently wonder whether they should be rebaptized. Usually, it's for one of two reasons. Either they were baptized as an infant, and they ask if they should be baptized as part of their profession of faith. Or they were baptized before they got serious about following Jesus and, having later committed to serious discipleship, wonder if the…

In Scripture, holiness is never just about rule-keeping — it’s about participating in the character of God, living love perfected in Christ, and flourishing as a whole person in relationship with God and neighbor. Too often in the wider church, though, holiness gets misunderstood as legalistic rule observance. That understanding leads to burdens, s…

In this episode of Theology Project, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Andy Miller III, President of Wesley Biblical Seminary, for an honest and forward-looking conversation about pastoral education in the Global Methodist Church. We explore the value of the MDiv, options for the future of the Course of Study, and how robust theological training…

Most people think they know the central message of Romans: justification by faith. It’s beautiful, and it’s true. But what if it’s not actually the main goal of the letter? In this video, we take a closer look at the often-overlooked theme that frames the entire book of Romans from beginning to end—the obedience of faith. Paul opens with it. Paul c…

Is 1 Thessalonians 4 teaching the rapture—or something else entirely? In this Theology Project video, we explore the historical and theological context of Paul’s words and argue that the passage describes the ascension of resurrected believers to welcome Christ as he returns in glory, not a secret rapture or escape from earth. We examine 1 Thessalo…

What did John Wesley really believe about baptism? In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Jonathan Powers of Asbury Theological Seminary to explore Wesley’s "Treatise on Baptism" and his deeply sacramental understanding of this sacred act. Together, they unpack why Wesley believed baptism is a means of grace—not merely a symbol—and h…

It's common in the baptism debate to hear that the Greek word for "baptize" means "to immerse." In this video, we take a look at John Wesley's somewhat snarky rebuttal of that very dubious claim. The full interview with Dr. Jonathan Powers posts on Monday. We work through John Wesley's "Treatise on Baptism" -- SUBSCRIBE NOW so you don't miss it! BU…

How often should Christians take Holy Communion? In this video, we look at how John Wesley would answer that question. In his sermon “The Duty of Constant Communion,” Wesley insisted that the Lord’s Supper isn’t optional. It’s a command of Christ and a means of grace. In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Ryan Danker, Director of th…

What do we mean when we talk about grace? In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly explains some common misconceptions about the biblical concept of grace. You'll learn why we shouldn't talk about KINDS of grace, and that grace isn't a thing outside of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Get UPDATES from Theology Project: https://www.theologyproject.onl…

What’s the difference between common grace and prevenient grace? Are these concepts compatible or contradictory? In this video, we explore how God’s grace works in Wesleyan and Reformed theology, unpacking the meaning of prevenient grace and its relationship to common grace. Discover how grace shapes salvation and human response! GET UPDATES FROM T…

How much did John Wesley shape C. S. Lewis’s vision of Narnia? In this interview clip, Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken and Dr. Matt O'Reilly explore the surprising ways Lewis may have drawn on Wesley’s theology of creation and animal life. Lewis cites Wesley’s sermon The General Deliverance" in The Problem of Pain when wrestling with the suffering of animals…

In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly talks with Dr. Brian Yeich about John Wesley’s sermon The General Spread of the Gospel. Wesley envisions a future of global gospel advance grounded in the holiness of God’s people. While often overlooked today, Wesley’s optimistic eschatology—sometimes described as postmillennial—offers a powerful reminder: holine…

Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? The question is hotly debated. In this episode of Theology Project, Dr. Matt O'Reilly answers the question based on clues in the text of Revelation 6. It turns out...one of the riders may not be who you thought. My FAVORITE BOOKS on Revelation 1. Revelation by Robert Mulholland https://amzn.to/42c2SAz 2.…

Romans 9-11 are often seen as Calvinism's silver bullet. It is assumed that these chapters by the apostle Paul make Arminian theology untenable and that Arminians have to explain away their plain meaning. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. In this episode, I'll explain why my Arminian theology is built on Romans 9-11 (and Romans 8), not…

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken (Oklahoma Wesleyan University) to discuss John Wesley’s profound sermon "The General Deliverance." This sermon tackles one of the hardest questions in Christian theology: How can a just and loving God respond to a world filled with unjust suffering? Wesley’s reflections on one aspect of the pro…

In this clip from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT), we talk about the upcoming 10th Annual CPT Conference: Good Shepherds – Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. Listen to the whole conversation here. The CPT is focused on forming pastor theologians to shepherd the church in our comp…

The Book of Revelation can feel mysterious and overwhelming, but understanding it doesn’t have to be. In this video, we explore three essential keys to unlock its meaning. First, pay attention to the Jewish context—Revelation is rich with Old Testament imagery that shapes its message. Second, don’t read it as a strict timeline or chronological orde…

We typically think of heaven as a place of happiness and serenity. The strange thing is that we get a glimpse of some people who died and went to heaven in Revelation 6...but they are not happy about it. Why is that? What do they want? Why are they dissatisfied? Those are the questions we're looking at in this episode of Theology Project. 🧠 FREE RE…

What if leadership is NOT about making decisions? What if it's about facilitating a co-creative process? In this clip, Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary) explores what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom. You’ll hear how moving from co…

Did you know the modern State of Israel wasn’t originally going to be called “Israel”? In this clip from my interview with Dr. Jason Staples, he explains the surprising history of how the nation’s name came about. Staples walks us through several alternative names that were proposed, and even reads from President Harry Truman’s notes, where “Israel…

Why are pastors the de facto theological leaders of the church? What is a pastor theologian? Why do we need pastors to embrace their theological identity? In this episode, we'll hear from Dr. Joel Lawrence, who is president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT). We talk about the difference between academic theology and ecclesial theology, and…

Pastors are more than sermon-givers—they are called to be theologians. In this sneak peek from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, we explore why the theological vocation of the pastor is essential for the church today. The full conversation is COMING SOON - don't miss it. Check out the CPT website: h…

What does it mean to be deeply rooted in the Christian faith while also embracing the distinctive gifts of the Methodist tradition? In this episode, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to discuss his new book, Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist. We explore how the Methodist movement emerged as a Spirit-led renewal within the wider body of Christ, wh…

Is the meaning of “Israel” obvious? That question was hotly debated recently by Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. In this Theology Project interview, Dr. Jason Staples takes us deep into what the Bible actually says about Israel, the Jews, the Hebrews, and how Paul redefines everything in Romans 9–11. Dr. Staples is the author of Paul and the Re…

Across the Wesleyan-Methodist family, something remarkable is happening: churches and denominations are rediscovering the heart of their theological heritage—holiness. In this video, Matt O'Reilly and Bill Ury reflect on how various Wesleyan groups are recovering a robust, life-giving vision of holiness rooted in grace, love, and transformation. Th…

Watch the whole discussion here: https://youtu.be/lAtmxFIIXIs In this clip, Dr. Matt O'Reilly and Dr. Bill Ury discuss how forgiveness of sin and justification by faith are sometimes set up as the main point of Christianity and key books of the Bible like Romans. What is the point of Christianity? Matt and Bill explain how Christian faith is about …

What are the enemy’s most effective strategies—and how can Christians resist them? In this conversation, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to unpack John Wesley’s sermon Satan’s Devices and explore the timeless tactics the devil uses to discourage, divide, and derail believers. We discuss how Wesley’s 18th-century insights still speak with power today, wh…

What does neuroscience have to do with following Jesus? In this conversation, psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson unpacks how brain science helps us understand—and experience—spiritual formation more deeply. Drawing from his groundbreaking work in Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and The Soul of Desire, Dr. Thompson explores the connec…

The mark of the beast? The rapture? The second coming? The four horsemen of the apocalypse? In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly tackles these questions and more from the pages of the New Testament book of Revelation. ----- FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff" Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the …

What if God’s grace was already at work in you—before you ever knew it? In this clip, Dr. Bill Ury unpacks one of the most powerful and underappreciated truths in Wesleyan theology: prevenient grace. This is the grace that goes before—before faith, before repentance, before we even realize we need saving. It’s the divine initiative that makes human…

Can co-creative leadership transform your church? In this conversation with Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary), we explore what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom. You’ll hear how moving from control to co-creation builds trust, empow…

What does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? In this episode, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Theology Project to challenge the common assumption that the third commandment is only about swearing. Drawing from her book Bearing God’s Name, she shows how this command is actually about identity, mission, and representing God well in the world. If y…

What is salvation, and how do Wesleyans understand its depth and scope? In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Bill Ury for an engaging discussion on the Wesleyan/Methodist order of salvation. Together, they unpack key aspects of this transformative journey, including prevenient grace, justification, sanctification, and more. You'll …

Did John Calvin misread Paul in Romans 9–11? In this interview with Dr. Jason Staples, we explore how Paul’s argument about Israel challenges the foundations of Calvinistic theology — especially the doctrine of individual predestination. Dr. Staples, author of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, shows how Paul is not talking about individuals bein…