Disciple Dojo

Religion & Spirituality

About

What’s up with the name “Disciple Dojo”??Great question! One of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo. Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture. Thus Disciple Dojo is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!

Episodes

  • The Apostle Paul's "Holy Worldliness" (w/ Nijay Gupta)

    Dr. Nijay Gupta returns to the Disciple Dojo to discuss overlooked aspects of the Apostle Paul, specifically focusing on the concept of "Holy Worldliness." The episode references Gupta's book "Paul for the World."

  • Bas Rutten's Path of Discipleship: The King of Pancrase Meets the King of Kings!

    JM interviews martial arts legend Bas Rutten on his journey back to faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, discussing discipleship, suffering, and his MMA career. Rutten is a former King of Pancrase and UFC Heavyweight Champion with numer…

  • Understanding Mental Illness: A Therapist's Advice (w/ Olatunde Howard)

    In this Disciple Dojo episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Olatunde Howard addresses viewer questions on pastoral counseling and recognizing mental illness. Howard, based in Cary, NC, provides resources including Cognitive Behav…

  • Stewards of Eden: Why God cares about environmentalism (w/ Dr. Sandra L. Richter)

    Dr. Sandra L. Richter joins JM to discuss the intersection of Christianity and environmentalism, exploring the biblical perspective on creation care and the role of believers as stewards of God's creation.

  • A Therapist Helps Me Take My Thoughts Captive! (w/ Olatunde Howard)

    In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Olatunde Howard rejoins the Disciple Dojo to discuss Pastoral Counseling. He also demonstrates the effectiveness and biblical basis of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, sharing resources fo…

  • Psalm 29 - Was this Psalm originally a Hymn to Baal?

    This episode of Disciple Dojo examines Psalm 29, questioning if it was originally a hymn to Baal. The series aims to integrate the Psalms into theological frameworks to shape a Christian worldview.

  • Psalm 30 - Honest Prayer at Death's Door

    Disciple Dojo discusses Psalm 30 in this episode, focusing on honest prayer during difficult times. The series aims to integrate the Psalms into theological understanding, reflecting their historical significance for God's people over near…

  • Unveiling Truths: Preston Sprinkle on Women, Leadership, and Head Coverings

    Preston Sprinkle joins the Disciple Dojo to discuss his book "From Genesis to Junia," focusing on passages in 1 Corinthians concerning head coverings and women's roles in the church.

  • Anime, Manga, and Scripture (w/ Dr. Kaz Hayashi)

    Dr. Kaz Hayashi, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary, joins the Disciple Dojo podcast to discuss his background as a Hebrew Bible scholar and Japanese Christian. The conversation also touches on his study of martial…

  • Isaiah Unveiled: A Journey Through the Entire Book! (w/ Dr. Megan C. Roberts)

    Dr. Megan C. Roberts joins Disciple Dojo to provide a macro-level overview of the entire Book of Isaiah, examining its cohesion and enduring message. The episode also shares several recommended resources for further study.

  • The Mission of God - Christopher J.H. Wright

    Christopher J.H. Wright, author of "The Mission of God," discusses the revised edition of his Biblical Theology. The episode references several of his other books and related resources.

  • Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 2 of 2)

    This episode continues a discussion with Dr. Paul Sloan about his book "Jesus and the Law of Moses." It examines the relationship between the Beatitudes and Israel's exile, the significance of the Septuagint, and questions regarding the At…

  • Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 1 of 2)

    Dr. Paul T. Sloan joins Disciple Dojo to discuss his book, "Jesus and the Law of Moses." The episode references the book's availability, related podcasts, and other resources from Disciple Dojo.

  • Psalm 28 - My Strength and My Shield

    This episode of Disciple Dojo covers Psalm 28, titled My Strength and My Shield. Information regarding community resources and support for the podcast is also provided.

  • Why is Biblical Law so hard for modern readers to understand? - Dr. Dru Johnson

    Dr. Dru Johnson returns to the Disciple Dojo to discuss his book, "Understanding Biblical Law." The episode explores the challenges modern readers face when trying to understand biblical law.

  • Paul...the Rabbi Philosopher (w/ Dr. Joseph Dodson)

    Dr. Joseph Dodson returns to the Disciple Dojo to discuss his new book, "Paul the Rabbi Philosopher." The episode also provides links to purchase the book, a previous episode featuring Dodson, and further resources on Stoicism and Christia…

  • Psalm 27 - One Thing I Ask...

    This episode of the Disciple Dojo podcast is titled "Psalm 27 - One Thing I Ask...". The description also provides links to previous episodes, merchandise, donation options, donor patches, and a Facebook group for unmarried Christians.

  • Preston Sprinkle steps into the Dojo!

    Preston Sprinkle visits the Disciple Dojo to discuss his work. The episode description includes links to his podcast "Theology in the Raw," his book "From Genesis to Junia," and other resources like his church talks and documentaries.

  • Evangelicals and Gaza

    Evangelical scholars Bruce Fisk and Ben Norquist join the podcast to discuss their book, "Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza," and explore Christian responses to the Gaza genocide.

  • Women's Self-Defense in a War Zone! (The Graceful Warrior Project)

    Kelly Kelly, founder of The Graceful Warrior Project, joins the Disciple Dojo to discuss her work on women's self-defense in war zones. Supporting information and related videos are provided.

  • Becoming God's Family (w/ Dr. Carmen Joy Imes)

    Dr. Carmen Joy Imes returns to the Disciple Dojo podcast to discuss her latest book, "Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters." The episode references her previous appearances on the podcast concerning her earlier works, "Being…

  • A Bible Publisher enters the Dojo!

    In this episode we are joined by Andy McLean, head of Bible & Reference publishing at Holman to talk about Bible publishing, why they chose to bring back the Baker Illustrated Study Bible, and some other projects they are working on. Resou…

  • Psalm 26 - How could David claim to be "blameless"?

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Psalm 25 - The ABCs of Trusting God

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • A Charismatic Bishop enters the Dojo!

    In this episode we sit down with newly-elected Bishop in the Global Methodist Church, Dr. Carolyn C. Moore! Find out more about Global Methodism at: https://globalmethodist.org/ Carolyn’s website: https://artofholiness.com/ Carolyn’s books…

  • Psalm 24 is an attack on Baal

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Psalm 23 - YHWH My Shepherd

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Psalm 22 - What Jesus cried out on the Cross

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Perfecting the Church

    In this episode JM talks with @ThePerfectingChurch Pastor Kevin C. Brown about their time in Bethlehem, being in "circles rather than rows", and the challenge for churches seeking to live out the Kingdom in a staunchly divided culture. For…

  • Black Belt Bible Tips: Deuteronomy

    Black Belt Bible Tips: Deuteronomy by JM Smith

  • Black Belt Bible Reading Tips: Leviticus

    Black Belt Bible Reading Tips: Leviticus by JM Smith

  • Grappling with Hosea (part 1 of 2)

    In this episode Dr. Andrew King and I discuss our mutual love for Jiujitsu, why everyone should train, and his work on the book of Hosea! Andrew's faculty page: https://www.mbts.edu/about/faculty/dr-andrew-king/ Follow Andrew on Twitter at…

  • Black Bible Bible Tips: Joshua

    Black Bible Bible Tips: Joshua by JM Smith

  • Black Belt Bible Tips: Numbers

    Black Belt Bible Tips: Numbers by JM Smith

  • Grappling with Hosea (part 1 of 2)

    In this episode Dr. Andrew King and I discuss our mutual love for Jiujitsu, why everyone should train, and his work on the book of Hosea! Andrew's faculty page: https://www.mbts.edu/about/faculty/dr-andrew-king/ Follow Andrew on Twitter at…

  • Love in Biblical Theology (w/ Dr. Nijay Gupta)

    In this episode Dr. Nijay Gupta returns to the Dojo to talk about something most NT scholars shy away from: LOVE! Nijay's book is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Affections-Christ-Jesus-Heart-Theology/dp/0802877168/ Nijay's substack:…

  • What is "Christian Nationalism"? (w/ Caleb Campbell)

    In this episode Pastor and author Caleb Campbell steps into the Dojo to discuss the controversial concept of "Christian Nationalism", including myths about it and how it is to be evaluated in light of the actual Christian faith. Caleb's bo…

  • Is it true that "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven"??

    Dr. Matt O’Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. Matt's book "Free to be Holy" is available at: https://my.seedbed.com/produc…

  • Discussing Purgatory with a Catholic

    I am excited to have my favorite Catholic scholar, Dr. Matthew Thomas, back in the Dojo! In this episode we talk about why Josephus is important for Christians to read. The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is available at: https://ignatius.co…

  • Why should we read Josephus??

    I am excited to have my favorite Catholic scholar, Dr. Matthew Thomas, back in the Dojo! In this episode we talk about why Josephus is important for Christians to read. The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is available at: https://ignatius.co…

  • Jewish Bible Translations (w/ Rabbi Beth Lieberman)

    In this episode we are joined by Literary Editor and Revising Translator of the new RJPS Tanakh, Rabbi Beth Lieberman! RJPS DISCOUNT FOR DOJO LISTENERS: Save 40% off with code 6AF23 at https://jps.org/books/the-jps-tanakh-gender-sensitive-…

  • Psalm 21 - 'Facing' God

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • How to handle unanswered prayer

    In this episode we are looking at the tension Scripture calls us to live within when it comes to our prayers that seem to go unanswered The @MrJasonOWilson video can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/cf-J9Jkag-U?si=I07UJ7wdiAjJjXRp Fo…

  • Psalm 20 - Chariots, Horses, & Trust in YHWH

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • How to read the Psalms (Dr. Andrew Witt)

    In this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Witt of Tyndale University. Andy is currently writing a Psalms commentary and helps walk us through some of the challenges of doing so by looking at the Hebrew text of Psalms 42-43. For more on t…

  • Psalm 19 - C.S. Lewis's favorite Psalm

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Psalm 18 - The 3rd Longest Psalm in the Bible

    In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's peo…

  • Q&A with a Job scholar!

    In this episode, Cambridge University doctoral student Ellie Wiener answers viewers' questions about the book of Job! Click here for part 1 - https://youtu.be/ilB9n2fy6ZY Ellie’s article for Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoda…

  • She memorized all of Job...in Hebrew!

    In this episode we are joined by Cambridge University doctoral student Ellie Wiener to discuss her passion for one of the most difficult books of in the Bible…the book of Job! (Stay tuned for part 2 where Ellie answers viewers' questions a…

  • How to read Genesis

    Here is our full episode with The Bible in Context co-host, Caleb S. Lewis about his new book on the theology of Genesis! Caleb’s book “Through the Waters: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Genesis” is available at: https://www.amazon.com…