S08 E07: Encountering Jesus & The Church in Scripture
About This Episode
In this episode we chat with Dr. Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College. We talk about encountering the Person of Jesus in scripture and the power of connecting the head and the heart. We also discuss the beauty of Scripture, how to connect the dots between the old and the new, and how Scripture is always relevant to every time and culture.
Dr. Andrew Swafford
Andrew Swafford is Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College. He is general editor and contributor to The Great Adventure Catholic Bible published by Ascension Press and host of the video series (and author of the companion book) Hebrews: The New and Eternal Covenant as well as author and host of Romans: The Gospel of Salvation, both published by Ascension. Andrew is author of Nature and Grace; John Paul II to Aristotle and Back Again; and Spiritual Survival in the Modern World. He holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a master’s degree in Old Testament & Semitic Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is member of the Society of Biblical Literature, Academy of Catholic Theology, and a senior fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He lives with his wife Sarah and their five children in Atchison, KS.
Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week
Dr. Andrew Swafford’s one thing - his wife, Sarah
Dr. Andrew Swafford’s other one thing - The Glories of Divine Gracie - Fr. Matthias Scheeben
Heather’s one thing - Victory - Jay and Jo
Michelle’s one thing - The Impact of God - Fr. Iain Matthew
Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Innocent CFR and their visit to Pensacola
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Butternut Squash and all Fall recipes
Books Mentioned
All the titles mentioned by Dr. Swafford can be found online here.
Here are the three recommendations to get your started:
Mystery of the Kingdom - Dr. Edward Sri
God with us - Dr. Edward Sri
A Father Who Keeps His Promises - Scott Hahn
You can also receive 20% off any studies in the Hebrews collection by Dr. Andrew Swafford through Ascension Press with the code Abide20. Check out all Hebrews has to offer!
Discussion questions:
What struck you from this week’s episode?
What has been your experience with the Holy Scriptures? Did you grow up reading the Bible often, have you just recently discovered the living Word of God or are you still not sure where to begin?
Dr. Swafford mentioned the threat of Catholic Deism - where faith becomes about an idea and not about a person. How have the scriptures fostered your relationship with the person of Jesus?
Dr. Swafford said “theology is really about intellectual discipleship.” How do/can your bible studies, discussion groups and personal study create disciples around you?
Journal Questions:
Dr. Swafford’s journey began with an intentional mentorship from Dr. Sri. Pray about who God is inviting you to intentionally disciple and what would that look like.
Dr. Swafford encouraged us to start small. What’s one small daily scripture exercise you can commit to this week?
Take some time to reflect on your favorite scripture verse or one that has impacted your life. Ask the Holy Spirit how God wants to speak this word over your life in a new way.
Quote to Ponder
“Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God.”
Scripture for Lectio Divina
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.”
