Theology Project with Matt O’Reilly

Why Calvinism Misunderstands Election in Romans 9

A lot of people assume Romans 9 obviously teaches the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election. They think it means that God selected a set and unchangeable number of people to save and passed over the rest. If you're among the chosen, congratulations. If you're not, well...
In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly explains why Romans 9 does not, in fact, teach unconditional individual election. Rather, the apostle Paul sets forth in Romans 9 a vision of corporate election (the group as a whole is chosen) in which individuals may move into and out of the elect group.
MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
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Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church
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Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice
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Bless the Nations
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Music used with permission - "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
 
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How do you answer these two questions about Christmas?

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 emperors, censuses, power, and prestige, Luke introduces Jesus in a radically different key: born in obscurity, laid in a manger, announced not to elites but to shepherds on the margins.
So who is Jesus, really?
And what kind of mission begins this way?
Drawing on the Jesus' birth narrative in the Gospel of Luke, we explore how Luke presents Jesus as the true Lord whose identity stands in quiet but profound contrast to the rulers of his age. And we ask what Jesus came to do—not merely to offer private comfort or future escape, but to inaugurate God’s saving reign through humility, peace, and faithfulness.
This episode invites you to hear Luke 2 with fresh ears and deeper attention—to see how the identity and mission of Jesus are woven together from the very beginning, and why that still matters for how we understand the gospel today.
 
Merry Christmas!
 
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Music used with permission - "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
 

Why We Do Not Rebaptize - Grace Doesn't Expire!

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 they should rebatized
In this video, Dr. Jonathan Powers (Asbury Seminary) and Dr. Matt O'Reilly explain WHY pastors should not rebaptize people and HOW to shepherd people through the questions
 
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Holiness Isn’t Legalism — It’s Human Flourishing

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, shame, and a distorted picture of the gospel.
In this video, I unpack how the Bible, and the Wesleyan tradition in particular, reframes holiness not as legalism but as human flourishing. We walk through how holiness:
reflects God’s character toward us
calls us into life-giving love for God and neighbor
aligns with deep, true happiness as envisioned in Scripture
Whether you grew up hearing holiness taught as legalistic rule-keeping or you’re seeking a richer, more biblical vision of discipleship, this conversation will help you think differently about what it means to be holy.
📖 Holiness isn’t about following a checklist — it’s about becoming like Jesus and flourishing as his people.
 
READ "The New Birth" by John Wesley
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-45-the-new-birth/
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Music used with permission - "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
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Reversing Decline, More MDivs, and the Future of Seminary with Dr. Andy Miller

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 shapes healthier leaders, stronger churches, and more faithful ministry.
Dr. Miller brings clarity to current debates around seminary education, offers practical wisdom for pastors considering further study, and shares WBS’s vision for forming leaders who can preach the gospel, shepherd the church, and engage culture with confidence and conviction.
If you care about clergy preparation, the future of Methodist ministry, or the theological integrity of the church, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Help pastors finish seminary DEBT-FREE: Check out the Global Methodist Foundation of North Alabama: https://www.gmfna.org
Hear more from Andy Miller - Check out his podcast: More to the Story - https://www.youtube.com/@andymilleriii
Here's a link to the BRAND NEW BOOK from the WBS faculty - Sanctitas et Scriptura: https://amzn.to/3MpBrxz
Apply to STUDY at WBS: https://www.wbs.edu
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOK
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN(print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
 
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
 
Music used with permission - "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
 
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How We Misread Romans: Recovering Paul’s True Focus

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 closes with it. And he structures the whole letter around it.
Could it be that justification isn’t the destination of salvation, but the doorway into a transformed life under the reign of Jesus?
And could our narrow focus on justification have kept us from seeing the bigger purpose Paul had in mind?
In this deep-dive, you’ll learn:
🔹 Why Paul bookends Romans with “the obedience of faith”
🔹 How obedience and faith work together—not in competition
🔹 Why “works” language makes us nervous, and why Paul isn’t nervous
🔹 How justification functions as the means toward a greater end
🔹 What Romans reveals about Christian formation and discipleship
If you want to understand the message of Romans in a fresh, compelling way—and see how Paul’s vision speaks directly into Christian life today—this episode is for you.
👉 Read the full article on Theology Project:
https://www.theologyproject.online/post/the-message-of-romans-you-re-not-likely-to-hear
 
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👍 If this helped you see Romans differently, hit LIKE
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🔔 And subscribe for more biblical theology, preaching insights, and New Testament scholarship
MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
 
#Romans #Paul #BibleStudy #JustificationByFaith #ObedienceOfFaith #NewTestament #TheologyProject #ChristianDiscipleship #BiblicalTheology
Music used with permission - "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
 
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Why the RAPTURE gets Paul wrong. Let's talk ASCENSION instead.

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 Thessalonians 4 in light of Daniel 7 and New Testament ascension theology to show why this passage points to union with Christ in his ascension—not removal from the world.
Check out Patrick Schreiner's book on the ascension: https://amzn.to/4e6SXQC
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
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Music: Steps by Anno Domini Beats used with permission.

Does baptism actually do something? John Wesley says YES! with Jonathan Powers

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 how it relates to new birth and discipleship in as a member of the new covenant. Along the way, they charitably contrast the Wesleyan/Methodist view with believer’s baptism (credobaptism) and discuss why Wesley still baptized infants as an expression of God’s prevenient grace.
If you’ve ever wondered how baptism fits into salvation, or what it means to say it’s a means of grace, this conversation will help you think more deeply about water, Spirit, and faith in the Wesleyan tradition.
BUY Jonathan's new book: New Life in the Risen Christ: A Wesleyan Theology of Baptism https://amzn.to/46Xr6R7
READ Wesley's Treatise on Baptism: https://www.whdl.org/sites/default/files/resource/7387091/pp.%20188-201%20%28A%20treatise%20on%20baptism%29.pdf?language=en
WATCH my conversation with Ryan Danker on Wesley's view of the Lord's Supper: https://youtu.be/Ob4FEPsKpMw?si=MHGghZriNQjKf974
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Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
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Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
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Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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Music: "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats - Used with permission.
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Does "Baptize" Mean Immerse? John Wesley Gets Snarky

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!
BUY Jonathan's new book: New Life in the Risen Christ: A Wesleyan Theology of Baptism https://amzn.to/46Xr6R7
READ Wesley's Treatise on Baptism: https://www.whdl.org/sites/default/files/resource/7387091/pp.%20188-201%20%28A%20treatise%20on%20baptism%29.pdf?language=en
WATCH my conversation with Ryan Danker on Wesley's view of the Lord's Supper: https://youtu.be/Ob4FEPsKpMw?si=MHGghZriNQjKf974
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe
MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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Skipping Communion? Why John Wesley Said Don't Do That with Ryan Danker

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 the John Wesley Institute in Washington, D.C., to explore why Wesley believed constant communion was essential for Christian life and growth. Together they discuss the theology, history, and practical implications of Wesley’s commitment to attending the Lord's Supper as often as possible.
READ THE SERMON: The Duty of Constant Communion https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-101-the-duty-of-constant-communion/
BOOKS BY DR. RYAN DANKER: Wesley and the Anglicans: Political Division in Early Evangelicalism https://amzn.to/48udLB7
Exploring a Wesleyan Political Theology https://amzn.to/4q5HCpB
The Next Methodism: Theological, Social, and Missional Foundations for Global Methodism https://amzn.to/43eKOp4
The Faith Once Delivered https://amzn.to/3ISGaGw
VISIT THE JOHN WESLEY INSTITUTE https://nextmethodism.org
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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Music: "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats - Used with permission.
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