Cries for unity are common among evangelicals. "Who cares what it says on the sign, as long as you love Jesus," say many who long for a church without unnecessary divisions that can sometimes cause such pain within the body of Christ. Amen! But, while it is tragic to see a lack of unity where it should be had, it is certainly tragic to pretend theological unity where it cannot exist. How should Christians think about this? Jude will help us with that answer.
From the speaker: I AM THE SUM OF MY PARTS . . . God has moved in my life through a number of powerful men and women of God from whom I have benefited greatly. There is nothing new under the sun, as it is said. For that reason, much of what you hear in these lectures is not unique to me. Most of it was likely gleaned from other sources. I want to be transparent about that and share my sources. In terms of biblical scholarship, I have been blessed by the work of Harold Hunter (my father), Craig Keener, David Allen, Malcom Yarnell, Tom Schriner, Johnathan Pritchett (with whom I co-host Trinity Radio), F.F. Bruce, Adam Harwood (with whom I have co-authored), Steve Gregg (with whom I have worked), and Bruce Ware. As for Christian apologetics, William Lane Craig (with whom I have lectured), Michael Licona (a personal friend), Gary Habermas, Norman Geisler, J.P. Moreland, William Dembski, Michael J. Murray, James White, Alvin Plantinga, and a host of others have impacted my thinking. Because I have been so impressed with the structure, organization, and delivery of his own audio commentary, I personally made request to Steve Gregg (who has served as a visiting professor for Trinity) that I might follow his model. In fact, he was delighted with the idea that I might largely follow his teaching outline. Why then, with so much great scholarship already available, would I want to add my voice? There are three reasons. First, I can imagine no more worthy endeavor than to study and proclaim the truths of scripture. Second, though I admire greatly the men listed above, I do not agree with any of them on all things. Third, God has blessed me with a humble audience that does not listen to these other voices. I hope that you will benefit from this passing on of knowledge.