After Class Podcast

What happens when you lock an Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology professor in a room to discuss provocative topics related to bible and theology? Find out as you listen to the podcast of three professors from Great Lakes Christian College engage the sorts of questions students ask ... after class. Featuring (from left to right in the logo) Samuel C. Long, Ronald D. Peters, John C. Nugent

9.29 - Politics and Faith: Tension 07/20/2026

9.29 - Politics and Faith: Tension Jesus commands us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. But how should citizens of the Kingdom of God engage with the kingdoms of this world? In today's episode, the guys explore the tension between the Kingdom of God and earthly kingdoms. Are you ready for some tension? Growth rarely comes without resistance. Just as perseverance strengthens our character, wrestling with difficult questions strengthens our faith. Join us as we work through the challenging—but essential—relationship between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God. Because the best conversations happen after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/42146485

9.28 - Politics and Faith - Allegiance Continued 07/13/2026

9.28 - Politics and Faith - Allegiance Continued Is the world ultimately transformed through the voting booth, or through a people who faithfully live out the “strange” teachings of Christ? Do Christians need governments to enforce God's standards, or is a holy, set-apart life sufficient? What comes to people's minds when they think about you? Your politics? Your opinions? Your accomplishments? Or do they think of Christ? If your life points more clearly to a kingdom other than to the Kingdom of God, it may be time to ask where your true priorities—and your true allegiance—lie. Join the guys as they explore what it means to pursue holiness, redefine success, and faithfully represent Christ in a world with very different values. Because the best conversations happen after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/42051890

9.27 - Politics and Faith: The Pledge Of Allegiance 07/06/2026

9.27 - Politics and Faith: The Pledge Of Allegiance Who Has Your Allegiance? Your Nation... or the Kingdom of God? Can a Christian faithfully serve both their country and the Kingdom of God? Or, when push comes to shove, must one always come first? Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters." But what if your nation's values appear to align with God's? Can patriotism and discipleship coexist? Where does your ultimate allegiance belong? Building on last week's discussion, the guys explore one of the most challenging questions Christians face today: the Kingdom of God versus the kingdoms of this world. Scripture teaches that followers of Christ are citizens of another Kingdom—one that often stands in tension with every earthly nation. How should Christians think about nationalism, patriotism, political identity, and loyalty to Jesus? Join us as we wrestle with this timely and thought-provoking conversation. Because the best conversations happen after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41969700

9.26 - Politics and Faith: Distinct Christian Influence 06/29/2026

9.26 - Politics and Faith: Distinct Christian Influence Continuing last week's conversation, we explore how God's set-apart people are to relate to the nations. Israel was forbidden from making alliances with the nations, and its way of life stood in stark contrast to the surrounding cultures. Kings, prophets, and priests each served a unique role in advancing God's purposes. But that was then. This is now. Did Christ’s fulfillment of the prophecies overturn the Old Testament trajectory? Under the lordship of Jesus, what has changed, and what has remained the same, and what does that mean for us today? Did Jesus walk the hard road so we could have an easy one? Or are we called to follow the example of our King? Tune in today to find out. Because the best conversations happen After Class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41856520

9.25 - Politics and Faith: Unique Politics 06/22/2026

9.25 - Politics and Faith: Unique Politics Up to this point, we've identified who the powers and principalities are and the role they play. Today, the guys shift the conversation to how God's set-apart people should relate to them. Who are we? What is our role in the world in relation to the nations? How did God begin with His covenant people and shape them for a fundamentally different purpose? And how does that purpose grow into our calling today? Tune in to today's episode to find out. Because the best conversations happen After Class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41718295

9.24 - Politics and Faith: Judgement of the Nations 06/15/2026

9.24 - Politics and Faith: Judgement of the Nations If God holds the nations accountable, shouldn't we, in the spirit of the prophets, join Him in calling the nations to account for their actions? But what does God actually hold the nations accountable for? The answer may not be what you think. Join the guys as they explore the prophetic witness of Scripture and examine how God judges nations, rulers, and empires— Is your nation at risk of God's judgement? Tune in to today's episode to find out. Because the best conversations happen after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41643115

9.23 – Politics and Faith: Christ Above All Powers 06/08/2026

9.23 – Politics and Faith: Christ Above All Powers All things were created through Him and for Him. Above all creation, this includes the powers and principalities of this world. Christians proclaim a God who is above all governors, governments, nations, rulers, and even angelic beings. This is a deeply subversive message—and a dangerous one. Throughout history, earthly powers have demanded ultimate allegiance, loyalty, and recognition. The early Christians refused. Empires attempted to silence this message through force, persecution, and their ultimate threat: death itself. Yet Christ overcame death, exposing the weakness and fraudulent claims of every power that seeks to rival His authority. So how do we balance honoring the authorities Christ has established to govern the world without diminishing our allegiance and obedience to the exalted Christ? What are powers and principalities? Why are they so important to understanding the biblical story? And what does any of this have to do with how Christians relate to governments today? Tune in today to find out, because the best conversations happen after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41566735

9.22 – Politics and Faith: The Powers Behind the Powers 06/01/2026

9.22 – Politics and Faith: The Powers Behind the Powers Who really rules the nations? God, governments, or something else entirely? Today, the guys continue their discussion on governing authorities by looking at one of the Bible’s most intriguing and often misunderstood themes: powers and principalities. Are earthly governments merely human institutions, or is there something deeper at work behind the scenes? What did Paul mean when he spoke of rulers, authorities, and powers in the heavenly realms? Why was Satan able to offer Jesus the kingdoms of the world? And what do these passages have to do with how Christians understand governing authorities today? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they trace this theme through Scripture and explore how the biblical worldview challenges many of our modern assumptions about power, authority, and the kingdoms of this world. Tune in today, because the best conversations happen, After Class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41487760

9.21 - Politics and Faith: Spiritual Reality 05/25/2026

9.21 - Politics and Faith: Spiritual Reality Is God on your political side? Scripture may say otherwise. Sam, John, and Ron continue their series on governing authorities by challenging one of the most common assumptions Christians make: that God automatically supports “our” nation, party, or political tribe. From Isaiah’s shocking blessing of Egypt and Assyria, to Nahum’s judgment against violent empires, to Daniel’s warning that even admired superpowers can become beastly, the guys explore the Bible’s deeply unsettling view of political power. Then Revelation raises the stakes. Rome is portrayed as a beast empowered by Satan itself, tempting believers to exchange allegiance to Jesus for security, prosperity, and survival. (Sound familiar?) Finally, the conversation turns toward the New Testament’s provocative language about Satan as the “god” and “ruler” of this world—setting the stage for next week’s deep dive into powers and principalities. Are Christians placing too much hope in earthly kingdoms? Tune in to find out. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41410195

9.20 - The Government, the Gospel, and the Christian: Pick a Side? 05/18/2026

9.20 - The Government, the Gospel, and the Christian: Pick a Side? What if the nation you despise most is actually on God's payroll? In this episode of The After Class Podcast, John, Ron, and Sam trace what the Bible really says about God and governing authorities — from Babylon and Assyria to Cyrus the Great — and why the "lesser of two evils" argument might be more sub-Christian than you think. If politics has been messing with your faith, this one's for you! Tune in to today's episode of The After Class Podcast. Because the best conversations happen... after class. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41331030

9.19 - The Government, the Gospel, and the Christian: Introduction 05/11/2026

9.19 - The Government, the Gospel, and the Christian: Introduction How does the language of the Bible talk about how God’s people should relate to governing authorities and the level of our engagement with them? What do we do when differing groups of Christians land on different sides regarding the same administration? Split? μὴ γένοιτο (“May it never be!”). Today the guys begin investigating different approaches Christians take when approaching government and politics. But to what extent is it okay to participate in the system; endorse certain styles of government, parties, candidates, or policies; or preach and teach on government policies? To what extent should these things occupy our minds, and to what extent should we hold a position? Will you join the conversation, or land on an opposing side? Tune in to find out. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41241730

9.18 – Lord’s Supper 6: More Than a Meal 05/04/2026

9.18 – Lord’s Supper 6: More Than a Meal Today, the guys wrap up the series and share some final observations and takeaways. But first, Paul writes that in the Supper we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes, through the bread and the cup. But how often do we do this? And what does it mean to proclaim His death? Who is guilty of eating in an unworthy manner when they come together for the Lord’s Supper? Are we doing the right thing in the wrong way? Tune in today to find out! /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41138915

9.17 - Lord’s Supper 5: The Flesh and the Blood 04/27/2026

9.17 - Lord’s Supper 5: The Flesh and the Blood So far guys have covered the following aspects in the Lord’s Supper series: * Building on OT sacred meals * Commemorating key events in sacred history * Meal practices with Jesus and His disciples * An experience of the Kingdom of God—“a Kingdom meal” Today the guys dive into the body of the Lord’s Supper—specifically, “this is my (Christ’s) body.” So, are Christians cannibals, or is this some form of symbolic gesture? Or is there more to it than that? What are you actually partaking of? Tune in to find out! /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/41025245

9.16 - Lord’s Supper 4: Three Accounts 04/20/2026

9.16 - Lord’s Supper 4: Three Accounts Today, the guys look into the Last Supper accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, investigating the differences and what they reveal about the Lord’s Supper, the influence of Passover, and how it impacts our practice today. What do Passover and the Last Supper have in common? And what don’t they? Tune in today to find out. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40930070

9.15 - Lord’s Supper 3: Celebrating the Kingdom 04/13/2026

9.15 - Lord’s Supper 3: Celebrating the Kingdom Ritual? Meal? Nourishment? Remembrance? Micro-banquet? Flesh and blood? What is the Lord’s Supper—and how are we meant to practice it? What does it have to do with the other meals we share as believers, and how do the practices of the early church shape our understanding today? Join the guys as they dig into the meaning behind the meal—and how it reveals Christ and His Kingdom, and the first fruits of the banquet to come. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40820575

9.14 - Lord's Supper 2: The Heart of the Meals 04/06/2026

9.14 - Lord's Supper 2: The Heart of the Meals Who do you eat with? Sinners? Tax collectors? Church leaders and influencers? Today, the guys survey the wider narrative of meals presented in the New Testament in hopes of enriching our understanding of the Last Supper. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40739230

9.13 - Lord's Supper 1: Setting the Table 03/30/2026

9.13 - Lord's Supper 1: Setting the Table What is the Lord’s Supper? Who can partake in it? What is it about? In today’s episode, the guys set the table for how the Bible speaks about food, festival, and feast. Pull up a chair and prepare to dig into what the Bible has to say about food, as we begin to unpack the Lord’s Supper. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40661780

9.12 - Hot Take: When a Christian Falls 03/23/2026

9.12 - Hot Take: When a Christian Falls When another Christian falls in a big way on the public stage, what is the responsibility of the broader Christian community? Do we have an obligation to respond right away and offer our perspective? And what is the Christian perspective? Do we do it publicly or privately? How do we handle the unfortunate moral failings of our brothers and sisters in the faith in a way that still offers a Christian witness that ultimately glorifies Christ? Francis Chan has weighed in on a major event, and in today’s episode the guys explore a biblical approach to responding to the events of our time. After laying that groundwork, Sam, John, and Ron weigh in on Francis Chan’s stance and run it through the broader scriptural witness. Tune in to today’s episode of the After Class Podcast and see if your gut reactions align with what Scripture calls us to be as witnesses. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40569385

9.11 - Truth: The Way of Life 03/16/2026

9.11 - Truth: The Way of Life Is the truth in you? Are you one who loves in deed and truth, obeying what Jesus has commanded? Or do you find yourself often falling into the trap of lip service and well-meaning thoughts instead? Truth is action, and in today’s episode the guys follow suit with some of the stronger warnings in Scripture that call us to a way of life grounded in truth. But where is life found? With so many voices proclaiming the best way to live out your journey of life to the fullest, how do we discern what is true? Like the Greek philosophers, do you seek a truth and way of life that can be applied to all people? Join the guys in today’s episode as they conclude the series on truth and zero in on how it reveals itself in our lives—or how it doesn’t. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40492380

9.10 - Truth: Is He the Way? 03/09/2026

9.10 - Truth: Is He the Way? Today the guys reach the completion of John’s Gospel. Truth is framed through the new revelation brought to us in Christ as we grow beyond the need for a pedagogue under the law and into the living way. But how did Christ, in His conversation with the Jewish people, communicate this—and how did they receive it? Perhaps more importantly, what do we do with it today? Why did Jesus unite the way, the truth, and the life? We are told the Spirit of truth will come, speak, and instruct us. The question is: are you paying attention—or just thinking about Rome? /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40361885

9.9 - Truth: John Gets Fresh 03/02/2026

9.9 - Truth: John Gets Fresh Today we step into the Gospel of John, where truth is described as coming from above — and where John provides a fresh framing of truth. Grace and truth — why are they paired together? And what shifts in our understanding of truth in light of Jesus that transcends time and place? So who will you listen to — Moses, Jesus, or Ron as he defends his thesis? Tune in to today’s episode to explore truth with us as Sam and John carefully test Ron’s point of view. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40275745

9.8 - Truth: Riled Up 02/23/2026

9.8 - Truth: Riled Up False teaching is real. Some people will intentionally try to rile you up or pick you off when you are away from the body. Others tie their teaching to their own glory and financial gain. They may be proclaiming Christ, but their aim is bereft of truth. Are we serving Christ for status and a wealthy, easy life — or because He is enough? Phew… this episode steps into some uncomfortable truth territory. Are you always studying but never applying? What are the motivations of your heart? Are you living in truth, or wearing it like a mask? /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40193925

9.7 - Truth: Delusions and Governance 02/16/2026

9.7 - Truth: Delusions and Governance We have a duty to reflect God’s truth to the world. If truth is something worth living — and dying — for, do Christians have a duty to correct error throughout the world, in legislation, governance, and social policy? God calls us to align with truth, yet that sometimes places us at odds with the powers that be. And when Scripture speaks of God sending a “powerful delusion,” are we hearing divine action… or Pauline rhetoric? If the empire is delusional and corrupt, are we still called to pray for it? Tune in to today’s episode to find out! /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40119730

9.6 - Truth: Affirmation or Love? 02/09/2026

9.6 - Truth: Affirmation or Love? Biblically, truth comes from God, and intermingling truth with perversion or distortion—no matter how sincere—removes us from God’s truth. Yikes. What is the difference between affirmation and love, and how do they fit within God’s kingdom? How do we ensure we are not mixing them inappropriately while still upholding truth and speaking it in love? What does truth have to do with how we treat others and the way we live? Tune in to today’s episode of the After Class Podcast to find out! /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/40038395

9.5 - Truth: In Action 02/02/2026

9.5 - Truth: In Action Truth defined by God stands in contrast to truth claims grounded primarily in experience. In this episode, Ron rides confidently through his home terrain in the New Testament, while John drifts into theological questions that reveal just how complex “truth” becomes in the biblical writings. As we move through the New Testament, the guys explore the tension: the closer we get to the truth, are we more likely to disagree? And if truth is something we are called to walk in, how do we remain united in faithful action rather than fractured by interpretation? Bundle up and tune in to today's episode of the After Class Podcast. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39955805

9.4 - Truth: Justice 01/26/2026

9.4 - Truth: Justice Truth and justice. Is there truth apart from justice? What are the implications of knowing the truth without acting justly? This week on After Class, the guys turn to the prophets. Can God’s people claim truth while walking unjustly? Do we hide our thoughts and motives in the dark, or do we expose ourselves in the light no matter the consequence? As resident aliens in kingdoms that don’t always share the same vision of truth and justice, how are we called to live? What does faithfulness look like when truth costs something? /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39873450

9.3 - Truth: Biblical Agenda 01/19/2026

9.3 - Truth: Biblical Agenda If you are not committed to the truth, your witness is compromised. If truth has an agenda, how does the Bible weigh in on truth in a world where it may be twisted? We need a revelation from God, lest we spiral into despair as we sift through the conflicting worldviews of subjective truth. So what is God’s truth agenda? Definitions, hot takes, and a call to truth all await you in this episode. Unpack biblical truth with us today on the After Class Podcast as we prepare to walk—and stand—firm in truth in our towns, cities, and nations. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39785745

9.2 - Truth: Ahem... 01/12/2026

9.2 - Truth: Ahem... In today’s episode of After Class, the guys step into the world of philosophical and biblical truth, tracing how the Western tradition once held philosophy and Christianity together, and how Scripture itself speaks about truth in ways that don’t always match our modern assumptions. This conversation leans into a key distinction: facts and truth are not the same thing. As believers, can we unite around the facts of Scripture while allowing room for disagreement about the truths we draw from them? This episode lays essential groundwork for the series ahead, unpacking history, terminology, and method as the guys begin their study of truth—and what the Bible actually says about it. Ahem... ok, let's begin. /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39692250

9.1 - Truth: AI and Research 01/05/2026

9.1 - Truth: AI and Research AI is changing how people think about truth and how they fact-check information. While AI has immense access to information and processing power, someone with a bias had to train it—and someone with a bias uses it. Grok, ChatGPT, and others may not be as reliable as one might think, but of course, you were thinking that already. But is scholarly consensus any more reliable? In today’s episode, Sam, John, and Ron begin a new series on truth—its ability to be defined, discovered, and known—and how AI enters into that conversation. So welcome to 2026 and the quest for truth on the After Class Podcast. Can you handle the truth, eh?! /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39608035

8.49 - The Promised Land 12/29/2025

8.49 - The Promised Land Get ready for some holy hilarity! The guys are dishing out their hot take on The Promised Land, a new show that's basically a biblical mockumentary. Tune in to hear their review and try not to LOL too hard. . And if you haven't checked it out yet, what's taking you so long? /episode/index/show/afterclass/id/39054645

After Class Podcast

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