RUF at BU Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nathan Dicks
Reformed University Fellowship at Boston University now has a podcast. Tune in for teaching, reflections on the Bible and culture, and conversations designed to help BU students come to know the love of Jesus and grow in the freedom of the gospel.
We wrap up our series on the Church with a talk on God's call on his people to be witnesses of/to himself and his work.
Thanks for following! More info on our ministry can be found at www.rufbu.com.
How should the Church interact with the world? In this talk, Nathan explores how the concept of living as Kingdom Exiles helps us think through what it looks like to live as the Church in our age.
Thanks for listening! For more info, checkout rufbu.com.
Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners. This has massive implications for the Church and how we see ourselves in it. Thanks for listening!
We explore the meaning of the Church as God's family, with God as our father and Jesus, the brother who paid the price for our adoption. Thanks for listening!
Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches" in John 15. What does this mean for the Church today? Join us for a discussion of three dangers of not abiding in Jesus and the fullness of joy on offer when we do abide in him as the Church. Thanks for listening!
In this talk, Nathan speaks on the theme of the Church as the Flock and Christ as the Good Shepherd from John 10. This metaphor helps us understand the responsibility of pastors in churches as well as the comfort of knowing the Good Shepherd's ongoing care for his sheep.
This week Nathan talks about the Bible's description of the Church as the Temple of God, built on the cornerstone of Christ and the foundation of Scripture. Check out Ephesians 2:11-22 as we dive into this text. Thanks for listening!
This talk is on the Church as the Bride of Christ. Listen in as Serena shares about how Scripture speaks of Jesus's followers as his Bride and the impact of knowing Christ as our Groom has on our lives.
In this talk, we look at 1 Corinthians 12 and how the various parts of the Body of Christ, the Church, all work together in unity.
CORRECTION: Nathan mistakenly attributes the ideas of two different sociologists (both named Robert) to Robert Bellah. Bellah wrote on "expressive individualism." Robert Putnam wrote the book titled Bowling Alone.
In this talk, Nathan looks at Colossians 1:15-22 and what it means for the Church to be the Body of Christ and for Christ to be its head. Thanks for listening!
This Spring, our series is titled, "The Church & You: Who the People of God are Meant to Be and Why It Matters." In this first talk, Nathan, introduces the topic of the church through Acts' account of the ascension of Christ on the Mount of Olives. Thanks for listening!
We wrap up our series with a last talk on the glory of God entering the tabernacle. Thanks for listening!
Serena shares about God's rescue of his people in the face of their idolatry. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, Nathan talks about the 10 commandments and what the people of God were rescued for. Thanks for listening!
This week we look at Exodus 17:1-7 where the people complain to Moses that they are dying of thirst and the Lord provides water from a rock. In the New Testament, we find that Jesus, the Rock, magnificently fulfills this prefiguring event. Thanks for listening!
This week Serena walks through the wilderness passage of Exodus 16 and speaks to the provision of God in giving us all we need and more. Thanks for listening!
This talk covers the Israelites escape from Egypt and deliverance from their enemies through the Red Sea. Listen in for ways this event points to our redemption in Christ as those who have passed from death to life. Enjoy!
This week, Nathan teaches on the Passover and the significance of the firstborn in Exodus 11-13, highlighting Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf. Apologies for the poor audio quality. We will be remedying this soon. Thanks for listening!
In this talk, Nathan walks through the series of nine plagues that God brings on Egypt when Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to let the Israelites go. In this episode of history, we learn something about the character of God who is for us. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, we hear about the goodness of God to fulfill his promise to rescue even when things get terribly bleak for the Israelites in Egypt. Thanks for listening!
This second talk in our series in Exodus looks at Chapters 3 & 4, where God meets Moses in the burning bush and calls him, an unlikely rescuer, to deliver his people from their bondage in Egypt.
*Apologies for the poor audio quality!
RUF at BU is back for the fall with a series titled The God Who Rescues: A Journey Through Exodus. In this first talk, Nathan sets the stage for the oppression Israel faces in Egypt, how they cry out to the Lord, and how God enacts a rescue plan for their deliverance. Thanks for listening!
*Apologies for the poor audio quality!
In this final episode of the semester, Jimmy gives his farewell address and offers some thoughts on identity. He begins with the question, "Who are you?" and ends with the question, "Whose are you?"
In this episode, Nathan wraps up our series with a talk on the beauty of marriage. Amidst the cynicism in our culture, Nathan reminds us of how beautiful marriage is and how powerful love can be, especially when it reflects God's never-ending love for us.
In this episode, we are joined by our friend and fellow campus staff, Catherine from Harvard RUF, to share with us what she's been learning about forgiveness and reconciliation through God's word in her life. Particularly, Catherine helps us understand what forgiveness is not and how to forgive different types of sinners.
In this episode, we are joined again by our friend Joshua who speaks about God-centered sexuality and how we can view homosexuality both within the commands of the Bible but also in the grace of the gospel.
In this episode, we talk about sex and Rev. Nathan outlines how God designed it for good, how it was corrupted by sin, and a renewed view of sex. We understand that sex is a controversial and publicly debated topic so in this talk we want to understand what God's good design of it was according to the Bible. We don't answer all the questions so please do not take this as comprehensive.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan helps us think about dating through the lens and wisdom of Scripture. He offers us seven questions to ask ourselves when thinking about dating.
In this episode, we have a special guest speaker, Matt Warren (LMHC, MDiv.), from Harbor Christian Counseling to share with us how we can care for our friends. Breaking down concepts like unity & distinction, interdependence, codependence, and counter-dependence, Matt walks us through how to both love our friends well but also take care of ourselves.
In this episode, Jimmy asks the question, how do we pursue our friends? Well, because we have been pursued as a friend by Jesus, we can pursue our friends with compassion and through conflict.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan Dicks looks at three passages, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Samuel 18:1-4; Mark 6:7-9; and talks about the present state of friendship, the purpose of friendship, and the power of friendship. Apologies for the fuzzy audio, we experienced some technical difficulties during this recording.
Scripture directs us to rejoice always, be anxious for nothing, and fear not for God is with us. So what does it mean when we as Christians experience depression, anxiety, phobias, and other mental health challenges, and how are we meant to care for ourselves in the midst of such hardships? This seminar will examine what is good, true, and restorative (and what is not so much...) when it comes to mental health for Christians.
Matt Warren, LMHC MDiv., from Harbor Christian Counseling, presents part one of a two-part series on how to care for your mental health. The next part later next month will be on caring for your friends.
Often the first relationships in this life are the ones between us and our parents. We don't choose our parents yet our relationship with them shapes so much of who we are. In this episode, Reverend Nathan discusses what the Bible says about our honoring and loving our parents. He talks about how our relationship with our Heavenly Father allows us to freely honor and love our parents.
In this series on relationships, we've invited a couple guest speakers from around the city to bring the word and wisdom of God concerning the different relationships we find ourselves in. In this episode, Joshua Kays, Ph.D., who also teaches Biomedical Engineering at BU, delivers a message about enduring in our walk with God. He reminds us to look and behold Jesus if we are to know ourselves.
Welcome back to our podcast! For the spring semester, we'll be starting a new series called "Wisdom for Relationships" where we explore what the Bible has to say about our most treasured relationships. In addition, we'll be hosting some guest speakers during this series so stay tuned for future episodes. This week, Rev. Nathan opens up our series with God-given, created need for relationships and why love is so necessary for us all.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan Dicks finishes off our series on Revelation with chapter 22:6-21 and encourages us with a last word that Jesus is coming soon!
In this episode, Serena delivers us a good word from Revelation 21:1-22:5 and talks about how we are not home yet, but are moving towards a home where God's presence, power, and purpose will reside.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan Dicks reads from Revelation 20 and talks about Scripture's explanation of evil, its origin, power, and ultimately in the end, its defeat by Jesus.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan Dicks goes through Revelation 17-19 and shows how the sins of the metaphorical city Babylon have not only been ingrained in our personal lives but also the systems and institutions of our world. But Jesus, will come to destroy this evil and bring peace.
In this episode, Serena guides us through Revelation 15-16 and helps us see that God’s just wrath is good news.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan Dicks covers Revelation 12:1-15:4 and speaks on some of the more difficult realities of the Gospel including hell and the spiritual forces at war.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan explores Revelation 8-11 and shows us how there's a message of hope within each trumpet that is sounded. The warning of the trumpets is this - don't place your hope in this world; and the message of the two witnesses - there is hope in heaven.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan opens up Revelation 6-8:15 and talks about how the seals bring judgment but also assurance to us who have our hope in Jesus.
In this episode, Nathan explores Revelation chapters 4-5 and talks about the One who is worthy of our worship.
In this episode, Rev. Nathan walks through Revelation chapters 2 & 3 and shows us how Jesus doesn't give up on the church.
You’ll be hearing the first sermon in this fall semester’s series on Revelation. In this episode, Rev. Nathan invites us to enter this book with child-like curiosity as we discover the hope it reveals.
In this episode, Serena explores how we can rest through celebration. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, Nathan reflects on finding rest in Jesus through spiritual disciplines. Thanks for listening!
In this talk, Nathan wraps up the first half of the series on the topic of work. Thanks for listening!
How might work restore the original order and beauty of creation as God intended it? Listen in to hear Nathan continue our series on work and rest. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, Serena looks at how Jesus redeems us from working to justify ourselves before God and others and sets us free to work in a new way. Thanks for listening!
Sin's entrance into the world corrupted both our work and rest. Listen as Nathan teaches from Genesis 3 and 11. Thanks for tuning in!
Listen as Nathan delves into Genesis 1-2 where God gives the gift of work. Thanks for listening!
We kick off our series on God's design for work and rest in the book of Daniel and explore the complicated relationship Christians have to work and rest. Thanks for listening!
Jesus claims to be the "true vine." This message explores the meaning of this metaphor and how it can teach us what it means to abide in Jesus. Thanks for listening! We will be back in the Spring with a new series. Stay tuned.
This message is our third in the series, where Nathan teaches on Jesus' presence in our fear. Thanks for listening!
This is the second message in our series where Nathan introduces the significance of the "I am" statements in John using the Old Testament background. Thanks for listening!
This is the fourth message in our series for the Fall where Nathan teaches on Jesus as the Bread of Life. Apologies for the poor audio quality. Thanks for listening!
This is one* of several of our series in the Gospel of John this semester where Jesus tells us that he is eternal and unchanging in his love. We hope you are encouraged!
*Due to numerous technical difficulties, we have not been able to record most of the talks this semester. Apologies for the poor audio quality.
Welcome back! This message is from our first large group meeting in person in over a year. Hear an intro to RUF and an invitation to meet Jesus in the gospel of John. Thanks for listening!
Peter denied Jesus three times during his trial and before his crucifixion. Now, Jesus, resurrected and alive, is eating breakfast with Peter and asks him three times, "Do you love me?"
In these questions and the commands that follow, we learn about the heart of God for his wandering sheep and what it means to follow Jesus.
Thanks for listening to this series! We'll be back in September with more.
This week, Serena teaches on Mark 8:27-30, where Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Like his disciples, we cannot remain neutral, but are faced with a choice--who is Jesus to us? Thanks for listening!
This week's question is from Isaiah 6, where God asks "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" Nathan dives into the context of the passage, what it means to be called to "sanctified speech," and how we might respond to Jesus' commission to share the good news of his atonement.
Our passage is from Matthew 20:20-28, where Jesus teaches a counter-cultural approach to ambition. Nathan discusses the meaning of Jesus' cup, the ransom Jesus accomplished on the cross, and the life of service Christians are called to. Thanks for listening!
This week, we look at Jesus healing a man who couldn't walk. In this miracle, we learn something about faith and the simple, sometimes offensive, truth of the news that Jesus heals our soul's deepest sickness.
This week Nathan teaches on Ezekiel 37:1-14 where the prophet Ezekiel receives a vision of a valley of dry bones. We find great hope in the words of God who can bring life out of death. Thanks for listening!
At this Large Group meeting of RUF at BU, we explored Genesis 32:22-32 where Jacob wrestles with God and is renamed "Israel." We learn something about persistence in prayer and the blessings of God, but take a listen and hear for yourself. After the talk, students have time to discuss the content in small groups. We invite you to listen, but also to join our community at BU, if you are a student and looking for Christian fellowship or seeking truth. Find more info at rufbu.com.
This week, Serena explores the story of the Rich Young Ruler from the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus asks the man, "Why do you call me good?" This question gets to the heart of the source of a common misconception of God and opens our eyes to the undeserved favor and love God has for his people. Thanks for listening!
Questions abound in times of suffering, and we are not alone in asking them, nor are we wrong to do so. In this episode we explore God's questioning of Job, someone who suffered greatly. God's greatness and his gentleness are found here. Thanks for listening!
There are a lot of questions we'd like answered swirling around in our heads. This semester, we are turning our attention to the questions God word poses to us. Our first talk covers Genesis 3:7-15 where God asks Adam in the aftermath of the first sin, "Where are you?" Thanks for listening!
The "resurrection of the body and the life everlasting" are things that Christians hope for and expect in the future, but they have as much to do with the past and present as they do the future. Let's explore Colossians 3:1-4 and what God has to say to us.
This is the final sermon in our series on the Apostles' Creed. We will be back next semester with a series called "Questions God Asks Us." Merry Christmas! Thanks for listening!
C.S. Lewis wrote, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Forgiving others (which is different from accepting excuses) and the forgiveness offered in Christ's sacrifice are inextricably linked. Listen in and learn how this process works and how it has potential to change your life.
This week, we look at how the Church is God's design, where we can connect with God, belong to the family of God, and fulfill our purpose of maturity in Christ. Thanks for listening!
Who is the Holy Spirit and what difference does it make to know Him in the Christian life? In this episode, we'll look at how the Holy Spirit allows us to be born again, walk in faith, groan in prayer, and have hope in our sorrows. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, Nathan teaches about how Jesus, the very one who took our judgement on himself on the cross, is coming to judge one day soon. In addition to a warning and an opportunity to repent, there is great comfort and joy for Christians in this doctrine. Plus, there is good news for those who cry out for justice in an unjust world. Take a listen!
This week RUFBU's staff member, Serena Jones, talks on Jesus' resurrection from the dead and ascent into heaven. In this episode, you'll hear some arguments for the bodily resurrection of Jesus as well as why the resurrection has enormous significance for the Christian today. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19: "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."
The crucifixion and death of Jesus is crucial to understanding the Christian faith. This episode covers the humiliation of Jesus on the cross as a substitute for his people to atone for their sin and what that means for our lives today. Thanks for taking the time to listen!
What does the fact that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary have to do with you? This episode explores how this doctrine is essential to the core of the Christian faith. Thanks for listening!
The second part in our series on the Apostles' Creed explores the differences between human solutions to the separation between God and humankind and God's solution--his only Son, Jesus Christ, the only mediator. Thanks for listening!
This Fall our teaching series is titled, "What Do You Believe? Exploring the Apostles' Creed." Each week we will examine the truths of Scripture encapsulated in each clause of this ancient creed in order to deepen our understanding of Christian doctrine and by way of introduction to what Christians believe to those who are exploring the faith. Thanks for listening!
The final sermon in our series on Galatians preached by Nathan Dicks at our final Large Group meeting (on Zoom) 4/27/20. Text: Galatians 6.
This is a tough one! Let's think about it together. There is mystery that we cannot know here, but there is good news for sinners here too.
RUF at BU interns, Chet and Serena, join a conversation about how to love your parents or roommates during this time of stay-home orders and quarantine.
After polling RUF at BU students, this is our topic of choice: confronting sin in quarantine. Listen in for some biblical principles and some practical things you can start doing today to stay in the battle against sin in your life and receive God's grace in the midst of it.
Christians are those who can grieve and hope at the same time. But what does it look like to have hope in our current moment? Let's see what the Bible has to say....
This is the first installment of Quarantine Questions, a segment in which Campus Minister Nathan Dicks, examines how to apply the Bible to the current moment. In this episode, we learn about how to grieve biblically.
RUF at BU's Campus Minister, Nathan Dicks, teaches on Galatians 4:8-31 during our "Virtual Large Group" gathering.
Reformed University Fellowship at Boston University now has a podcast. Tune in for teaching, reflections on the Bible and culture, and conversations designed to help BU students come to know the love of Jesus and grow in the freedom of the gospel.