Welcome to the Practicology Podcast

Putting Theology Into Practice

There’s enough disorder in life without disconnecting what you believe from how you live. To make an impact, your faith must be integrated. The Practicology Podcast is bridging the gap between Scripture and every day life because the Bible belongs not only beside the stack of commentaries but also next to the pile of dirty dishes.

We want to help you connect glorious truth about God to the stubborn realities of life — what could be more exciting?

PP140 Permission to Fail

Sometimes it’s stories of failure that end up being the most inspiring. Failure is nothing less than an opportunity to learn something, an occasion to mature and grow. That’s certainly how God used a career failure in Peter Thiessen’s life, and God can use Peter’s story to instruct us. In this episode we learn how to find the kind of work we are suited for, how to value enjoyment of our work more than the amount of money or significance it gives us, and we are reminded how important it is to have a good friend. At the end, Peter shares the greatest of all the lessons he’s ever learned, and it’s not one you want to miss!

Scriptures Referenced: Rom 8:28

Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP139 A Life Dream Shattered: A Personal Testimony

It’s one thing to say that God is enough; it’s another thing to live it. This past summer we worked through Psalm 25 and its teaching about the will of God. Now it’s time to hear one believer’s personal story of questioning God’s will when his life plan fell apart. Peter Thiessen joins us not to teach, but to tell. To tell a story of God’s faithfulness in the midst of defeat. This is the kind of testimony we desperately need to hear today.

Scriptures Referenced: Joh 17

Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP138 Cloak, Books, and Parchments #4

Just in case you are thinking of getting some books for Christmas (and who wouldn’t be?), we’re bringing you our fourth instalment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13). There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of eight books for your reading pleasure.
– Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James (Crossway)
– Of No Reputation: Living an Ordinary Life by Stephen Grant (John Ritchie)
– When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, 2nd ed, by Edward Welch (P&R Publishing)
– Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves (10 Publishing)
– The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale (Ignatius); Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (Soho Press)
– Conscience: What it Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli & J.D. Crowley (Crossway)
– That Little Voice in Your Head: Learning about your Conscience by Andy Naselli (CF4Kids)
– In Search of the Source: A First Encounter with God’s Word by Neil Anderson with Hyatt Moore (Wycliffe)
– Why I Am a Christian by John Stott (IVP Books)

Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13

Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP137 Mental Health & The Struggle With Depression, Part 2

In part two of our discussion with Bible teacher and clinical counsellor, Stephen Vance, on the subject of the Christian’s emotional health and the struggle with depression, we consider some aspects of preventative medicine and how to reframe our thinking towards joy.


Scriptures Referenced: Lam 3:21; Prov 17:22; Php 4:8


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP136 Mental Health & The Struggle With Depression, Part 1

We are “frail children of dust” – and sometimes that physical frailty is manifested in our mental health. Depression is a real struggle for many Christians. Guest contributor Stephen Vance joins us for a wide-ranging, two-part discussion, from a Biblical as well as a professional clinical perspective, on the importance of our emotional health and how grief, stress, and anxiety can contribute to depression.


Scriptures Referenced: 1Kin 19; Mk 12:30-31; 1Thess 5:23


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP135 Providence and the Christian

As Christians, God’s providence is at work in our lives to save us and preserve us. Far from scaring us, divine providence is meant to comfort us. Join us as we work through Romans 8:28-39 and learn how God’s providence gives us a strong sense of security in the unbreakable love of God in Christ. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to receive compliments, wait on God, and begin imitating his love for his Church.


Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 8:28-39; Rev 12:1; 1Joh 3:20; Rom 4:25; Heb 7:2; 1Pet 4:19


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP134 What is Providence?

In this episode, Thomas Seale gives us an excellent introduction to the doctrine of divine providence. Providence is God’s purposeful sovereignty over everything including nature, the spirit world, nations, life and death, and even the human will. It’s a doctrine that doesn’t just change our perspective; it changes our lives.


Scriptures Referenced: Ps 50:12; Dan 4:34-35; Eph 1:4-10; Prov 16:33; Col 1:17; Job 38-41; Amos 4:7-13; Mark 5:6-7; Deu 32:39; 1Sam 2:6; Job 14:5; Acts 17:26; Dan 4:17; Prov 21:1; 2Sam 7:14; Ps 33:10-11; Judg 14:3-4; Isa 10:6-7; Ps 27:1; Isa 8:12-13; Ps 33:18


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP133 Why Study Bible Prophecy

Bible prophecy can be an intimidating subject at times, but it does make up a significant chunk of the Scriptures, so it must be a worthwhile study. Without delving into the details of prophetic interpretation, guest host Nathan Pratt provides us with six good reasons that we should study Bible prophecy. At the very end, Matthew & Nathan discuss a few book ideas for people interested in literature to help them understand Bible prophecy.


Scriptures Referenced: Rom 13:11-14; 2Cor 4:13-18; 1Thess 4:18; 2Tim 3:16-17; 1John 3:3; Rev 3:1-3


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP132 GNFY#4 How to Get a Solid Identity that Isn’t Crushing

We’re all looking to get a sense of self and a sense of worth. In our culture, the typical way to do this is by looking inside of ourselves. But this is a road riddled with potholes. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and downright crushing. The gospel offers a different way of knowing who we are and what we’re worth. Join us to hear how you can have a rock solid identity that isn’t crushing!


Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Gal 2:20


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook

PP131 Dating with Discernment

How should a Christian approach dating? Obviously differently from what is common in the culture – the emotions of our brothers and sisters in Christ are too valuable to toy with. But what are you trying to gain from the dating process? What should you be trying to discern from your initial times spent with a prospective life partner? Distilling insight from Sam Andreades’ book, Dating with Discernment, Justin Pratt joins Matthew for a helpful discussion around assessing compatability for marriage.


Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:18-25; Rom 12:2


Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.
Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook