For students at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing theological education is a journey of deep study, spiritual refinement, and critical engagement with Scripture. In this pursuit, resources that reinforce biblical truth and provide faithful exegesis are invaluable. Aaron Johnson, a recent Southern Seminary graduate, is one of many whose theological journey has been shaped by the Bible Talk podcast, hosted by Old Testament Professor James Hamilton, and Southern Seminary graduates Alex Duke and Sam Emadi.
Over the last three years, Johnson has relied on the podcast as a guiding resource while reading through the Bible, calling it “the perfect supplementary learning material for my seminary education and my daily Bible reading.”
His engagement with Bible Talk has been deep and intentional—listening and re-listening to episodes multiple times as he works through different portions of Scripture.
“I have listened to episodes from Genesis–Deuteronomy close to three times, Joshua–Judges two times, and the most recent 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings once,” Johnson said.
This consistent immersion in biblical teaching has helped shape not only his understanding of Scripture but also his theological convictions.
Recognizing the Need for Sound Theology
Bible Talk played a critical role in helping Johnson recognize theological errors in his previous seminary experience. When he first began listening to the podcast, he was pursuing his MDiv. at a more theologically liberal institution. He quickly became unsettled by some of the perspectives being taught.
“Through the Bible Talk podcast and the counsel of my pastor, I began to notice issues with the theology I was being taught,” Johnson said. “One particularly striking moment came when a professor argued that the Holy Spirit was ‘the female of the Trinity.’”
This claim alarmed Johnson, leading him to search for a more biblically grounded theological education.
“Bible Talk and the guidance of my local church and pastor revealed the grave error in those theological positions regarding Scripture. Namely, my former professors were unwilling to state that Scripture is inerrant.”
This realization led Johnson to transfer to SBTS, where he found a seminary committed to the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word. Now, as he approaches graduation, he credits Bible Talk as a crucial part of his theological formation.
Deepening a Love for God’s Word
At the heart of Johnson’s testimony is a growing love and reverence for Scripture. He explains how his approach to the Bible has been radically transformed through Bible Talk’s in-depth teaching and the instruction of SBTS professors like Hamilton.
“The way that I read the Bible has radically changed thanks to Bible Talk and Dr. Hamilton’s OT courses,” Johnson said. “My love and excitement for the inspired, sufficient, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God has grown more than I can put into words. It truly is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:10).”
As Johnson’s story demonstrates, resources like Bible Talk help students not just understand Scripture but delight in it. Johnson knows that he is not alone in experiencing this delight.
“I know there are many individuals who share this same experience, and I want to at least express a sample of my gratitude,” Johnson said. “It’s an easily accessible medium that is fun, entertaining, challenging, and deeply instructive.”
Southern Seminary recently partnered with 9Marks to produce Bible Talk. The partnership furthers the goals of both organizations to spread a love for God’s Word and train up Christian ministers who will help build healthy churches.
As Southern Seminary students continue to be equipped for ministry, resources like Bible Talk will remain an invaluable tool for deepening biblical knowledge and strengthening theological convictions.