Theology Project with Matt O’Reilly

What Do We Mean when We Talk about Grace?

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.
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
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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

Prevenient Grace VS Common Grace - Why they're not the same

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!
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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)
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Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church
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Dr. Matt O'Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a senior fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. 
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Did John Wesley Influence C.S. Lewis' Vision of Talking Animals in Narnia? with Jerome Van Kuiken

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—a full decade before writing The Chronicles of Narnia. We discuss how Wesley’s eschatological hope for the renewal of creation echoes in Lewis’ portrayal of talking beasts, the dignity of Aslan’s creatures, and the deep moral order of Narnia.
If you’re interested in the connections between theology, literature, and the imagination, this conversation will give you a fresh lens on Lewis, Wesley, and the hope of a redeemed creation.
This is a clip from a longer conversation. Listen to the whole thing here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xu9pu-194517a
Or watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uLWdjlWMCek
Read "The General Deliverance by John Wesley: https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-60-the-general-deliverance/
Read The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/4pjCY7g
Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken is a member of the faculty at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Dr. Matt O'Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham in Alabama. 
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John Wesley on the "Grand Stumbling Block" to Global Missions with Brian Yeich

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: holiness is essential to the mission of the church.
Read "The General Spread of the Gospel" NOW: 
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-63-the-general-spread-of-the-gospel/
Wesley called holiness the “grand depositum” God entrusted to Methodists. He also warned that the lack of holiness in the church is the “grand stumbling block” to the conversion of the nations. What can Wesley teach us about the hope of gospel expansion, the urgency of sanctification, and the mission of the church in our own time?
 
More about Dr. Brian Yeich
Brian’s passion is helping people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ whether it is in the context of the community, the local church, or the academy. He is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church, Trinity Conference, and has pastored 11 years in both large and small congregations as well as a church re-start. Including his previous role at Asbury Theological Seminary as Assistant Provost, Brian has over eight years in theological education leadership. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary teaching in the areas of Church History, Wesley Studies, and Pastoral Formation. Brian is currently appointed as Missional Discipleship Coordinator with World Methodist Evangelism in partnership with the Inspire Movement, a missional discipleship network based in the United Kingdom. Along with his wife, Misty, Brian works with congregations and church leaders to mentor and train them in developing cultures of missional discipleship in their contexts through Inspire Bands and House Fellowships. He completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Philip R. Meadows with the University of Manchester/Cliff College (England) in the spring of 2015. Brian’s PhD research focused on the doctrine of Christian perfection and its implications for the theology and practice of evangelism under the title, The Doctrine of Christian Perfection as a Vision for Evangelism. He is a contributor to The Faith Once Delivered produced by the Next Methodism summit. Brian holds a B.S. in Management and a M.B.A from Louisiana Tech University. He also holds a M.Div. and D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary.  He enjoys tinkering on cars, technology, and spending time with his family.
 
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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)
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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
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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Who are the Four Riders in Revelation 6? The Answer May Surprise You

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. Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael Gorman https://amzn.to/40ccHM7
3. Revelation for Everyone by N.T. Wright https://amzn.to/42riQHp
 
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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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Romans 9-11 Are the Reason I'm Arminian - Here's What I Mean

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 built in spite of them. 
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Paul and the Resurrected Body by Matt O'Reilly
Brian Abasciano's three volumes on Romans 9 (Arminian Interpretation)
Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9:1-9
Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9:10-18
Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9:19-24
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Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
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Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
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John Wesley on Suffering and God's Justice: The General Deliverance with Jerome Van Kuiken

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 problem of evil. He argues that God’s justice and mercy extend not only to humanity but to all creation (including animals), offering a hopeful vision of redemption and renewal.
In our conversation, Dr. Van Kuiken unpacks Wesley’s approach to theodicy, the question of suffering in Christian thought, and the ultimate hope of God’s deliverance for both people and the created order.
We also talk about John Wesley's influence on C. S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain and the Chronicles of Narnia. 
👉 Whether you’re a pastor, theologian, or simply wrestling with the question of evil and suffering, this discussion offers rich theological insight and practical hope.
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Books by Jerome Van Kuiken
The Creed We Need: Nicene Faith for Wesleyan Witness
The Judas We Never Knew: A Study on the Life and Letter of Jude
Read "The General Deliverance" by John Wesley 
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-60-the-general-deliverance/
 
Did John Wesley's eschatology develop from heaven to new creation? Randy Maddox takes up that question in Responsible Grace, pages 252-253. Get it here: https://amzn.to/4mXdrhZ
 
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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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2025 Conference | Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church (Center for Pastor Theologians)

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 complex world. We equip pastors as theologians, grounding local church ministry in robust yet accessible theology.
From the conference website: "The church needs good shepherds, pastors who serve the body of Christ from a deeply rooted identity. We are at a pivotal time for the American church, a time when it is critical for pastors to be humble shepherds providing theological wisdom for the church as she navigates our complex world."
I’m honored to be one of the plenary speakers at this year’s gathering. In our conversation, Joel shares why the CPT chose this theme, what pastors can expect, and why recovering a biblical vision of shepherding is critical for the health of the church today.
👉 Learn more about CPT and the Good Shepherds Conference: https://www.cptconference.com/
If you’re a pastor, theologian, or church leader who cares about the future of the church, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
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3 Keys to Understand Revelation with Matt O'Reilly

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 order—it’s a symbolic and cyclical vision. Finally, and most importantly, Revelation is about Jesus—His victory, His reign, and His call to faithful discipleship. Join us as we dive into these insights and discover the powerful message of hope and redemption Revelation offers!
My FAVORITE BOOKS on Revelation
1. Revelation by Robert Mulholland https://amzn.to/42c2SAz
2. Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael Gorman https://amzn.to/40ccHM7
3. Revelation for Everyone by N.T. Wright https://amzn.to/42riQHp
 
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Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
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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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Learn Why the Martyrs are Unhappy with Heaven in Revelation 6

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. 
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👉 Download here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
 
 
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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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