Reasonable Theology Podcast: Recent Episodes
Clay Kraby
Welcome to the Reasonable Theology podcast, where we present sound doctrine in plain language. We’re here to help you better understand, articulate, and live out the fullness of the Christian faith.
Many believers want to boldly defend their Christian beliefs, but lack the confidence to do so.
What if you could eliminate your anxiety, take control of intimidating conversations, and help others think more clearly about their views and the truth of Scripture?
My guest Greg Koukl has the key: Asking good questions.
In this replay episode, Greg shares how questions can help answer Christianity’s toughest challenges.
Koukl has hosted his call-in radio show Stand to Reason for over 30 years, has written many helpful books including Tactics: A Gameplan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.
His book Street Smarts picks up where Tactics left off, providing model questions and example conversations to effectively discuss your Christian beliefs, even on hot-button issues such as moral relativism, the authenticity of Scripture, the gospel, abortion, marriage, gender, and more.
Pick up a Copy: Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges
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Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a central figure in the First Great Awakening and is often regarded as America’s greatest preacher and theologian. This episode explores his life, ministry, controversies, and lasting legacy.
From his early years in colonial New England to his role in the Great Awakening, we look at Edwards’ most influential sermons and writings, his dismissal from Northampton, his missionary work in Stockbridge, and his brief presidency at Princeton. Along the way, we consider both his enduring contributions to theology and the challenges he faced, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most important figures in American church history.
Top 5 Jonathan Edwards Biographies:
1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden
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A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden
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Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray
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The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan
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Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God by Dane Ortlund
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The world prizes wisdom, power, and wealth—yet Scripture warns us not to boast in these fleeting pursuits. In this sermon from Jeremiah 9:23–24, we are reminded that true satisfaction cannot be found in the things of this world. Instead, God calls us to set our hearts on knowing Him, the source of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.
We examine the ways worldly ambitions can subtly pull us away from Christ and how only a greater affection for God can free us from their grip. Through biblical teaching, practical reflection, and insights from voices like C.S. Lewis and Thomas Chalmers, this message encourages us to pursue eternal treasures rather than temporary gains.
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Dr. Matthew Barrett recently announced that he is leaving the Southern Baptist Convention and joining the Anglican tradition, citing his shift to paedobaptism as a major factor. In his announcement, he references Acts 2:39—“For the promise is for you and for your children…”—as part of the biblical basis for this change.
In this video, we take a closer look at that verse. Does Acts 2:39 actually support the practice of infant baptism? Is it a strong argument against believer’s baptism as held by Baptists?
Let's explore five key reasons why this verse does not teach paedobaptism—and why the broader context actually reinforces the Baptist view of baptism as a response of personal faith.
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In a world where Christianity is often portrayed by critics as a force for oppression and intolerance, my guest Mark David Hall offers a different perspective.
In this replay episode we discuss his book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans, which details how Christianity has played a significant role in advancing liberty and equality throughout the history of the United States.
We Talk About:
• How critical views such as those of the 1619 Project portray Christianity
• Ways in which the Puritans helped set the stage for representational government
• The role of Christians during the Revolutionary War era
• How Scripture was misused in our history to support the evils of slavery
• The impact of Christians on the abolitionist movement to end slavery
• How followers of Christ should view their role in the public square today
Listen as we discuss Christianity's important contributions to the founding and growth of the American Experiment
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Join me for an encouraging and practical conversation with Dr. Andy Naselli on the topic of sanctification—how Christians grow in holiness.
I recently had the opportunity to host this Q&A with Dr. Naselli at a conference hosted by Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks, ND. We had a previous conversation on episode 91 of the podcast, where we discussed his book 'How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers.'
Dr. Naselli serves as Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, and as lead pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, MN. He has authored around 25 books on theology and Christian living.
In this conversation, we explore:
✅ The role of works in the Christian life
✅ How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility intersect
✅ Practical ways to pursue Christlikeness
✅ The role of theology in spiritual growth
✅ The importance of reading and cultivating a learning culture in churches
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- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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In Psalm 13, David cries out, “How long, O Lord?”—a question that echoes in the hearts of many who find themselves weighed down by sorrow, pain, and unanswered prayers.
This sermon explores how Psalm 13 gives voice to real anguish while also pointing us to a hope that endures. If you're facing a long trial, feeling forgotten by God, or struggling to hold on, this reflection on lament, prayer, and trust will help you find comfort not in easy answers, but in the steadfast love of the Lord.
Psalm 13 (ESV)
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
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Former cold-case detective and bestselling apologist J. Warner Wallace returns to the Reasonable Theology Podcast — and this time, he’s joined by his son, Jimmy Wallace, who is also a detective and Christian apologist.
Together, they’ve created a compelling new graphic novel that explores important truths through storytelling: Case Files: Murder and Meaning.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
- Their real-life experiences in law enforcement
- How detective work informs their approach to Christian apologetics
- Why fiction and storytelling can powerfully point people to truth
- The creative journey behind their graphic novel
- What it's like working on a faith-based project as a father-son team
This is a fun and insightful conversation with lots of laughs, wisdom, and encouragement for those looking to effectively explore and explain Christian concepts to others.
Resources & show notes: ReasonableTheology.org/casefiles
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There is no joy on Easter Sunday without the sorrow of Good Friday.
There is no resurrection without the cross.
And there is no salvation without them both.
Without the events of Sunday morning the events of Friday afternoon were merely a terrible tragedy.
The cross was necessary, as it was here Christ bore the wrath of God against sin and took the full weight of its punishment so that our debt of sin against God could be paid in full.
Romans 5:10 says “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”
The Resurrection was necessary, for a dead Savior cannot save anyone. As we read in Romans 4:25, Christ “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
That Christ rose from the dead three days later proves that His sacrifice for sin was accepted by the Father and that Jesus truly has power over both sin and death. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is who Scripture says He is!
Listen to this sermon on Matthew 28 to gain a fuller appreciation for the reality of the Resurrection, the reactions people had and have to this reality, and the right response to the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
See the full transcript of this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/Easter
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In John 8:48-59 we find a dramatic confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders that culminates in one of His clearest declarations of deity: "Before Abraham was, I AM." The Jewish leaders understand His claim—That He is declaring Himself to be God—and attempt to stone Him.
In this sermon we'll explore Christ’s promise that “if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death,” the true nature of sin, and why Jesus must be truly God and truly man in order to accomplish our salvation.
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Chapter 9 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith addresses free will, teaching that humans were created with free will. After Adam's fall, however, humanity lost the ability to choose any spiritual good that accompanies salvation. Through conversion, God renews the human will, enabling people to desire spiritual good — imperfectly in this life and perfectly in glory.
Pick up a copy of the 1689 London Baptist Confession in modern English
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The Apostles' Creed states: "He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell."
But did Jesus really descend into hell? Does Scripture teach this? If not, how and why is this in the creed?
On this episode we'll evaluate several possible interpretations of this phrase and compare them to God's Word to see if they hold up. Join me as we delve into the historical context and theology behind this belief and explore the important question of how we should respond if we cannot affirm this particular line in the Apostles' Creed.
► For additional resources on this topic: https://reasonabletheology.org/did-jesus-descend-into-hell/
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2025 marks fifty years since Ken Ham gave his first ever creation apologetics talk. Since that time, Answers in Genesis has grown tremendously and has impacted millions with high-quality resources focused on proclaiming the truth of God’s Word.
In our conversation we’ll talk about why the book of Genesis is so foundational to forming a biblical worldview, how to understand the relationship between faith and science, the cause of and solution for our current societal and cultural issues, and gain a lot of wisdom from Ken Ham’s many decades of ministry.
From the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter to his latest book Ken Ham Daily: 365 Musings, Inspirations, and Answers, Ken shares insights from his 50 years of ministry.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
1. Introduction to Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis
2. The Foundation of a Biblical Worldview
3. Faith and Science: Addressing Skepticism
4. Insights from "Ken Ham Daily"
5. Cultural Confusion and the Church's Role
6. Practical Advice for Parents
7. Challenges and Blessings in Ministry
8. New Developments at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter
Access more resources by visiting the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Answers
📖 Pick up a copy of the book Ken Ham Daily
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Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years. But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
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Jesus was likely born between 5 and 6 B.C.
That's seems odd, of course. Our calendar is broken up into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (anno Domini, the year of our Lord) so doesn’t that mean Jesus was born in year one (since we don’t count year zero)?
Actually, the issue is a bit more complex than that.
Although the Gospel writers did not focus primarily on preserving a precise chronological history of Jesus’ life and ministry, we can still approximate some key dates by comparing historical markers with passages of Scripture.
Let's take a look at what we know from Scripture and history.
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The Nicene Creed is one of the most significant statements of faith in Christian history. But have you ever wondered how it came to be?
This video reveals the historical events, people, and controversies that led to its formation. We'll look at the turmoil of the Roman Empire at the time of Constantine and survey the fierce theological disagreements about Jesus’ divinity. You’ll meet key figures like Athanasius, Alexander, Arius, and learn how their competing views brought about the need for a creed.
We’ll also explore why the Nicene Creed still matters, from its role in uniting the early church to its relevance in understanding core Christian doctrine. Whether you’re familiar with the Creed or hearing about it for the first time, this episode will give you a clear and engaging look at a defining moment in church history.
00:00:39 - What is a Creed?
00:01:22 - The Historical Cycle: Controversy, Council, Creed
00:02:29 - The Role of Constantine
00:04:58 - The Controversy and Key Players
00:07:41 - The Council of Nicaea
00:10:57 - The Creed of Nicaea
00:12:22 - Post-Creed Controversy
00:15:06 - The Death of Arius
00:17:13 - Post-Nicaea Drama and Controversy
00:18:02 - Council of Constantinople
00:20:52 - The Importance of the Nicene Creed Today
00:21:33 - Theological Issues in Today's Church
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Want to memorize the Nicene Creed? This song can help!
_______________________________
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The doctrine of Sola Gratia, or salvation by grace alone, is a central truth of the Gospel. Scripture is clear that we cannot earn forgiveness by our works, but only through the free gift of God's grace made available to use through faith in Christ.
Listen to this sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10 as we consider the universal need for grace, the unearned gift of grace, and the ultimate result of grace.
Ephesians 2:1-10And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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We are called by Scripture to be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is within us. These 6 apologetics books will equip you with not only the information but also the mindset needed to articulate the truth claims of Christianity to others.
📙 New Evidence that Demands a Verdict – Josh & Sean McDowell
📙 The Historical Reliability of the Gospels – Craig Blomberg
📙 Tactics – Greg Koukl
📙 Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
📙 Kingdom of Cults – Walter Martin
📙 The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An A to Z Guide – Norman Geisler
MORE RESOURCES
📖 57 Great Books Every Christian Should Own
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Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.
On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Learn more at ReasonableTheology.org/Luther
Some Recommended Luther Biographies
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton
Luther and the Reformation: How a Monk Discovered the Gospel by RC Sproul
The Legacy of Luther by RC Sproul and Stephen Nichols
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What does the Bible say about the role of elders in the church?
On this episode, we explore the biblical foundation for church leadership, looking at key passages that outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and importance of elders in guiding the body of Christ.
Discover how biblical eldership supports healthy, thriving churches and how this leadership structure follows the example set in the New Testament.
____________________________
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Who were the 12 Apostles? Do you think you could name them all without looking it up?
In this video, we'll consider the lives of Jesus' closest disciples, exploring their backgrounds, where they appear in Scripture, their roles in spreading Christianity, and what tradition teaches about their deaths.
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The health and effectiveness of a church depends on the health and effectiveness of each individual believer, just as the health and vitality of your physical body is dependent on its individual parts.
Romans 12:3-8 says:For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
As we consider how members of a local church body are to contribute to the health of their congregations, we will look first at humility, secondly at unity, and thirdly at responsibility. Humility, Unity, and Responsibility.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
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As RC Sproul has said, “The issue for Christians is not whether we are going to be theologians, but whether we are going to be good theologians or bad ones.”
These books are trustworthy resources to help you become a better theologian.
1) Systematic Theology
- Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth, MacArthur
- Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief, John Frame
- Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhof
- Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine – Wayne Grudem
2) Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms – Edited by Chad Van Dixhoorn 3) Theological Dictionary – Greg R Allison 4) Institutes of the Christian Religion – John Calvin 5) What Is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics – RC Sproul 6) Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer 7) Holiness of God – RC Sproul 8) Redemption Accomplished and Applied – John Murray 9) A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 10) Baptist Catechism – Benjamin Keach 11) A Body of Divinity – Thomas Watson 12) Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms See more book recommendations at ReasonableTheology.org/Bookshelf
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I’ve been doing some exciting work on a project I told you about earlier in the year. I’ve taken on CHSpurgeon.com and have been building up the content of that site dedicated to edifying resources by and about the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
And so I’m especially excited to announce a brand new podcast – The Spurgeon Legacy Podcast.
While I’ll continue to create articles, videos, and podcast episodes here at Reasonable Theology, going forward you can find all things Spurgeon-related over at CHSpurgeon.com. If you enjoy Spurgeon, I encourage you to subscribe to the Spurgeon Legacy podcast on your favorite player, and I hope you enjoy this preview episode, where I’ve interviewed Alex DiPrima about his new book, Spurgeon: A Life – A Biography of the Prince of Preachers.
In our conversation we’ll discuss why there is a need for a new biography of Spurgeon, important events and aspects of his life and ministry, why he is rightly called the Prince of Preachers, and the reason his legacy continues to this day.
You can subscribe to the Spurgeon Legacy Podcast in your favorite podcast app and learn more at CHSpurgeon.com/Legacy
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
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All of our theological studies must begin with and be checked against the Word of God. These resources will help you dig deeper into Scripture:
📙 A Study Bible
There are lots of good ones out there. Consider:
- The ESV Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3s4jcU8)
- Reformation Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3OyaeWS)
- MacArthur Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3QtE5lC)
- NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3KybyHY)
📙 ESV Exhaustive Concordance (https://amzn.to/3OLlZdw)
📙 Matthew Henry’s Commentary of the Bible in 1 Volume (https://amzn.to/44Wk6k3)
📙 An Introduction to the Old Testament (https://amzn.to/3ONlyja)
📙 An Introduction to the New Testament (https://amzn.to/45gaDUq)
📙 The New Testament: Its Background and Message (https://amzn.to/3Yb7e7e)
📙 Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (https://amzn.to/43CdcPu)
📙 Inspiration and Authority of the Bible (https://amzn.to/3OIg9cZ)
📙 Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (https://amzn.to/441m69x)
Like book lists? Check out The Five Foot Bookshelf: 57 Great Books Every Christian Should Own: https://reasonabletheology.org/bookshelf
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The Holy Spirit has been referred to as the “forgotten member of the Trinity.” At one extreme there are those who all but ignore the person and work of the Spirit and at the other extreme there are those who stray from Scripture in seeking to harness the power of the Spirit for their own purposes.
We don’t want to commit either of these errors, but instead we desire to have a right understanding of and appreciation for the Holy Spirit.
On this episode we’ll talk with Costi Hinn, who grew up in the extremes of the Word of Faith Movement but was saved and now serves as the Pastor as well as the founder and president of For the Gospel.
He’s also the author of Knowing the Spirit: Who He Is, What He Does, and How He Can Transform Your Christian Life.
We’ll discuss the common misconceptions about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, how Christians can discern whether something is of the Spirit or not, what it means to worship in Spirit and in truth, and how we are to understand practices like speaking in tongues or prophesying.
This is a great conversation that will help you better understand and appreciate the person and work of the Spirit in your everyday life.
Check out the show notes and see additional resources at ReasonableTheology.org/Hinn
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Just as one cannot see the entire Mississippi river when standing in its headwaters, believers initially see only a part of their salvation when they come to Christ.
Romans 8:28-30 provides a high enough vantage point to reveal that God’s work in salvation begins in eternity past with His foreknowledge and extends into eternity future with our glorification.
This full view assures believers of the certainty and security of their salvation, providing comfort amid present sufferings and confidence in God’s unchanging purpose.
Romans 8:28-30And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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Life-expectancy worldwide is twice what it was a hundred years ago. And because of modern medicine, many of us don’t often see death up close. That makes it easy to live as if death is someone else’s problem. It isn’t.
On this archive episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we sit down with Matthew McCullough, a pastor and author who recently published a book called Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope.When we ignore our own mortality, we lose out on much of what Scripture has for us to learn. As McCullough states, "When the reality of death is far from our minds, the promises of Jesus often seem detached from our lives."In this episode we'll discuss:
- The reason that death is, for many of us, like a foreign country
- Cultural changes that have occurred that allow us to 'forget' the reality of death
- The negative consequences of death becoming taboo
- What believers miss out on when they forget death
- The benefits of remembering our mortality (and why it's much more than carpe diem)
- How our view of death impacts how we respond to the promises of Christ
- Practical (and non-morbid!) steps we can take to remember death
Check out the Show Notes for this episode
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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Did the United States truly have a Christian founding, or were the Founders simply Deists who desired to create a secular nation?
This question has been hotly debated for generations, and our society increasingly regards the idea of America's Christian heritage as something to be minimized, rejected, or denied.
So what is the truth regarding the faith of the Founders and how it influenced their actions as they fought a revolution and brought forth a new nation?
To answer this question we're speaking with historian Mark David Hall. Hall is one of the most distinguished scholars of early American history. He is a professor, a nationally-recognized expert on religious freedom, and the author of several books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding?
In this conversation we'll discuss how Christianity shaped our nation, how much impact deism actually had on some of the Founders, the true meaning of the separation of church and state, and how we can return to the biblical founding principles that made America a great nation.
See the Show Notes & Additional Resources
Pick up a copy of Did America Have a Christian Founding?
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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Back when he was an avowed atheist, J Warner Wallace put his skills as a cold-case homicide detective to work investigating the claims of the Gospels and became a follower of Jesus. Now he is a speaker, apologist, and an author as well as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries.
I’ve spoken with him on previous episodes about his books Cold Case Christianity and Person of Interest, and he’s back on to talk about this latest book: The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About Life.
We’ll discuss our culture’s fascination with true crime and murder mysteries and the important life lessons that Wallace learned over his career investigating real-life cases and what these lessons teach us about ourselves and our Creator.
In our conversation we’ll talk about the importance of humility, how the Gospel on impacts every area of life, and the cautionary lessons we learn from the bad guys he’s helped put away.
The Truth in True Crime takes lessons learned from crime scene investigations and, more importantly, found in the pages of Scripture and distills them into 15 principles that everyone should know and pursue.
Check out the show notes for links to resources mentioned in our conversation.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
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- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
SUBSCRIBE HERE
In Pauls' letter to the Philippians, we find a profound analogy for Christians living in this world: just as the citizens of Philippi lived as Romans despite their geographical distance from Rome, believers are called to live as citizens of heaven while residing on earth.
The Philippians embraced Roman customs, language, and loyalty because they cherished the glory and power of Rome. Similarly, Christians must embrace the customs and values of their heavenly kingdom, prioritizing their allegiance to Christ above all earthly ties.
In this sermon we'll look at how this heavenly citizenship impacts our everyday lives as well as the relationships we build within the church, helping us focus on eternal things rather than getting caught up in the temporary concerns of this world.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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What does it mean to be well-read? How can we choose which books are worth our time and which ones aren’t? Is it okay to give up on a book we’re not enjoying? Do audiobooks ‘count’ as reading?
On this episode of the podcast we’re tackling all of these questions and a lot more.
Our guest is Andy Naselli, professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and author of How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers.
We’ll talk about the importance of reading in the Christian life, how we can overcome some bad reading habits, different ‘layers’ of reading, how to instill a love of books in our kids, and more.
As always, I’ve taken the notes for you on the show notes page below, where you can find additional information and links to the resources we talk about.
_____________________________________
See the Show Notes
Purchase 'How to Read a Book'
The Five-Foot Bookshelf: 57 Books Every Christian Should Own
_____________________________________
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
SUBSCRIBE HERE
Each week, Christians around the world gather to worship with their local congregations. How this looks varies from church to church, but there are some aspects that should always be included. Here are 4 essential elements of a worship service.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
▶ The Regulative Principle of Worship
♫ Psalm Singing Resources
🗒️ Principles for Public Prayer from John Newton
🎧 The Source of the Baptism Debate
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
This is a well-known and well-loved verse, and yet it is commonly misused, misunderstood, and misapplied. The problem is not that people misuse Romans 8:28 by making it say too much, but by making it say too little.
If we do not understand what it is that Romans 8:28 is promising – and particularly what it means when it says that all things work together for good – we will exchange an abiding, unshakeable, certain hope for a flimsy “look on the sunny side of life” platitude.
The point of Romans 8:28 is not that God is working out ‘all things’ to give you comfort in life, but that He is working out all things to bring you into conformity with Christ.
In this sermon we examine the context, the conditions, and the confirmation of this great promise.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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The Puritans are, at the same time, highly regarded and highly disdained—depending on who you ask. There are many caricatures about who the Puritans were, what they taught, and what they can still teach us today. On top of this, much of their writing can seem difficult for the modern reader. So why should we bother with the Puritans?
On this episode I have a conversation with Dr. Don Kistler about the importance of the Puritans and how the church today can benefit from their spiritual guidance. Dr. Kistler is a Bible teacher, author, founder of Northampton Press, and he has been republishing Puritan works for decades.
One of his latest reprints is Christ, the Perfect Pattern for a Christian by Ralph Robinson — which hasn’t been reprinted since 1658! We’ll talk about this particular book and the life and ministry of Robinson, as well as why we should read the lesser-known Puritans.
Whether you already enjoy the works of the Puritans or have been reluctant to give them a chance, you’re definitely going to get a lot out of our conversation. Dr. Kistler will also share a number of recommended titles both for the beginner as well as some little known works that even those who love the Puritans may not have heard of.
I’ll have all of the notes prepped for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Puritans where you can find links to the books we mention as well as additional information and resources.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the Show.
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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We all have a stack of books that we'd like to read but haven't gotten through yet. So how can we read more books, faster?
Thankfully, the answer isn't found in speed reading or in simply reading shorter books. Instead, these four simple tips will help you read more books in less time.
HELPFUL RESOURCES MENTIONED:🗎 Book List Spreadsheet Template (Plus recommended books)
[You'll need to make a copy of the spreadsheet in order to edit it]
📖 The 5-Foot Bookshelf: 57 Books Every Christian Should Own:
https://reasonabletheology.org/bookshelf
🎧 Audio Book Options:
- Everand
- Audible (30 Days Free)
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
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- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the Show.
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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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Are Christians still required to keep the Sabbath? And what does keeping the Sabbath really look like?
On this episode we will answer these important questions and many others as we consider the role of the sabbath in the Christian life through the lens of the convictions and teachings of Charles Spurgeon.
We’ll hear from Pastor Brandon Rhea who has a new book out titled “Spurgeon's Forgotten Sabbatarianism: Examining the Role of the 4th Commandment in His Life and Theology.”
Rhea is the pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri and received his Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, with his dissertation being focused on the Sabbath views of the Prince of Preachers.
In this conversation we will:
• Dispel some caricatures about the Sabbath
• Discuss whether or not this command is still binding for us today
• How to begin observing the Sabbath if you have never really set it apart as the Lord’s Day.
Along the way, we’ll learn how a commitment to the Sabbath shaped Spurgeon’s ministry, what this looked like in his own life over the years, and how this conviction runs like a thread throughout his preaching and teaching.
What can we learn from Spurgeon’s Sabbatarianism, and how should we think more carefully about the Lord’s Day in our own lives?
On this episode you’ll be both challenged and encouraged as we explore these questions and more.
_______________________________
📖Pick up a copy of Spurgeon's Forgotten Sabbatarianism
▶ Show Notes
▶ Get the Newsletter
▶ Podcast Episodes & Starter Packs
MORE ON CH SPURGEON
🔗 Learn about the Prince of Preachers at CHSpurgeon.com
▶ Listen to Spurgeon sermons delivered with the dynamic of live preaching on YouTube
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
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GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
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In Romans 10:13-15, the Apostle Paul declares that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Having shared this truth, he asks a series of questions: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"
Having heard, believed, and called upon Christ ourselves, every believer must be committed to going and proclaiming the excellencies of Christ to others.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the show
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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The apostle Paul wrote that "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). A few verses later he said, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
The Resurrection is the central truth claim of the Christian faith. Or, as our guest puts it, itis the bedrock of Christianity.
In The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, Dr. Justin Bass examines facts about Jesus' death and resurrection that even skeptical scholars agree with.
Listen as we discuss why the resurrection is the bedrock truth claim of the Christian faith and how we can present this truth to others - even skeptics.
On This Replay Episode We Discuss:
- Why the resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity
- How the apostle Paul serves as a key witness
- Truth claims about Christianity that even skeptical scholars agree to
- The most helpful evidence for engaging others on the resurrection
- How the average Christian can be better prepared to defend key doctrines of the faith
See the Show Notes for this EpisodePick up a Copy of The Bedrock of Christianity
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the show
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
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Reading the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles after reading 1 & 2 Kings can feel like deja vu. You might ask yourself, 'Didn't I just read this?'
There are so many similarities between the books of Kings and Chronicles that some wonder why we have both sets of Israel's history in our Bibles at all.
In this video, we'll discuss the similarities and differences between King and Chronicles and see how the different time periods and purposes of each make a unique contribution to the unfolding story of Scripture.
For more information on this topic, visit https://reasonabletheology.org/whats-the-difference-between-kings-and-chronicles/
▶ Podcast Episodes & Starter Packs
▶ 57 Great Books Every Christian Should Own
▶ Save on Logos Bible Software
▶ 60 Days of Free Audiobooks with Everand
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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The responsibility of imparting biblical wisdom to our kids is both a privilege and a challenge. How can we help our children not only learn about the Bible but grow to love it?
Danica Cooley, an award-winning children's author and Bible curriculum developer, joins us on the Reasonable Theology Podcast to share her insights on this crucial topic. With years of experience and a passion for raising biblically literate children, Danica provides practical advice for parents feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of discipling their children.
Drawing from her book, "Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible," and her own family's journey, Danica emphasizes the significance of making God's Word a central part of our daily lives.
We'll Explore:
⦿ How to start family worship even if it wasn't part of your own upbringing
⦿ Strategies for moving from sporadic Bible reading to consistent family devotion
⦿ Techniques for engaging children of various ages in meaningful conversations
⦿ Creative ideas for helping younger kids engage in Bible study
⦿ Effective Bible memorization methods tailored to different learning styles
Discover the simplicity behind teaching scripture at home, overcoming the common fears and obstacles many Christian parents face in helping their kids read, memorize, and understand Scripture.
Whether you're just contemplating how to introduce scripture to your little ones or seeking to deepen existing family worship practices, you are sure to gain some practical tips and helpful encouragement.
▶ For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode88
📖Pick up a copy of "Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible"
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
- the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
Support the show
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
- A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
- A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library
SUBSCRIBE HERE
If scholars faithfully use reliable manuscripts when translating Scripture, why do we have different versions of the Bible?
Perhaps the most vital thing to understand about different Bible versions: by their very nature translations are NEVER word for word.
Translators must interpret to some degree, and how they go about this process falls into two philosophies: FORMAL EQUIVALENCE or DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE.
Listen to learn how this impacts the translation process and check out some Bible translations that are worth your consideration.
Recommended Bible Translations:Those looking for a recommendation of a good Bible versions will find the ESV, the NASB, the Legacy, and the CSB to be excellent choices.
English Standard Version
New American Standard Bible
Legacy Standard Version
Christian Standard Bible
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In his book Humble Calvinism, author J.A. Medders writes:
"Many of us who love to love the “doctrines of grace” have not grown in showing grace. We have not become more gracious, kind, tender, and compassionate. And that can only mean one thing: we actually don’t know the doctrines of grace. Sure, we know the points and can rehearse the arguments ...But an arrogant and argumentative Calvinist is just a Pharisee with a fresh coat of paint."
But it doesn't have to be this way. The term "humble Calvinism" should not be an oxymoron.
On this replay episode, we discuss why a right understanding of Calvinism should cause us to be gracious, loving, and humble towards others.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What Calvinism is and why a "humble Calvinist" seems like an oxymoron to many
- Why "cage-stage" Calvinism is such a prevalent issue
- Some keys to help us graciously hold to the Doctrines of Grace
- How we can be zealous for the truth and be humble and gracious towards others
Pick up a copy of Humble Calvinism: https://amzn.to/3TpAUwx
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode23
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
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In the book of Titus, Paul is instructing Titus to remind these Christians of how they are to live lives pleasing to God in a pagan land of Crete. Crete was known across the ancient world for its immorality; Paul quotes one of their own poets who claimed “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
How were Christians to live in such a culture? More than a question of personal obedience and sanctification, this is a question of the Great Commission. How does their conduct impact how the Cretans see Christ?
The apostle Paul's instructions for first-century Christians in Crete remain relevant for us today. What should our response be as spiritual pilgrims living in an increasingly unholy land?
This is a very important question, as far too many believers fall into the ditches of either capitulating to the culture or adopting a posture of outright hostility towards it. Both errors are a hindrance to our proclamation of the Gospel.
Some Christians respond with anger, others with despair, and still others become indifferent to the cultural rot all around us.
In helping us rightly engage the world around us, Titus 3:1-7 offers three crucial reminders: a reminder of how we are to live, a reminder of who we once were, and a reminder of what Christ has done for us.
In this sermon we will consider how we can navigate the increasingly ungodly culture around us with compassion, conviction, and confidence.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Is it true that the story of Jesus is just a retelling of pagan myths that also featured gods who were born of a virgin, died, and rose again?
It is often alleged that a number of ancient gods have biographies shockingly similar to that of Jesus of Nazareth. Names that are commonly included in this group of doppelganger deities include Mithras, Dionysus, and Osiris, among others.
This allegation implies that if gods we consider false claim the same things that Christianity claims, Christianity must also be false. But is the allegation true?
There are two important questions that a believer should ask when tackling the “Jesus myth” allegations:
1) Are these alleged parallels to pagan gods historically accurate?
2) If they were, what difference would it make?
Listen as we review three alleged parallels to the life of Christ and consider whether or not it would really matter if there were pagan gods with stories similar to the life of Christ.
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The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ teachings, and the beatitudes in particular have come to be some of the best-known and best-loved verses in the whole of the New Testament.
Christians have much to gain from a deep study of these passages, and our guest today is going to give us some insight into how our study of these verses (and all the New Testament) can benefit from a knowledge of Greek.
Ryan Martin is the man behind Kairos Classroom, which provides online, live instruction in biblical Greek and Hebrew.
On this episode we examine the language of the beatitudes and gain greater insight into Jesus’ teaching by understanding more about His words in the original Greek. We’ll talk about what it means to be “blessed” – how we are to rightly understand biblical meekness, and how we can avoid common mistakes when using language tools like dictionaries when studying Scripture.
At the end, we’ll discuss how you can better equip yourself to dive deeper into your study of Scripture.
This episode will inspire you to see the Scriptures through a new lens and perhaps even embark on the rewarding journey of learning Greek or Hebrew yourself.
See how you can begin your study of Greek with Kairos Classroom and get 10% off your first course with promo code THEOLOGY: ReasonableTheology.org/Greek
Subscribe to our newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe for the latest updates and resources, including articles, theological definitions, artistic depictions, musical selections, and book recommendations to build your library. Support the show and expand your understanding of theology one email at a time.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was a sermon preached by Jonathan Edwards in 1741 during the First Great Awakening.
Edwards is perhaps the greatest theological mind America has ever produced, and Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is one of the most famous sermons of all time.
Its vivid imagery depicting the precarious position our lives are in — and the judgment that awaits us if we do not find forgiveness for our sins through faith in Jesus Christ — had an impact that spread far wider than Edward's congregation.
As important as this sermon is, few in our day have taken the time to read it in full, and fewer still have ever heard it preached as it would have been originally delivered.
On this edition of the Reasonable Theology podcast, you can get a chance to listen to the complete, unabridged sermon delivered with the dynamic of live preaching.
So here is Jonathan Edwards famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. It was recorded by the late Tod Magstadt.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Thanks to the internet, false teachers are able to gain a wider influence than ever before. They don't even have to enter your church to negatively impact your congregation - they can spread their errant theology on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok and elsewhere.
Given the proliferation of false teachers and the ease at which people can encounter their teaching, it is vital that we know how to recognize them.
While there are many passages of Scripture that speak to the danger of false teaching and how to guard against it, perhaps no book of the Bible focuses its attention on the issue more pointedly than 2 Peter.
In this video, we'll cover three ways you can recognize a false teacher.
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C.H. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, passed away on January 31, 1892. The impact of his ministry, however, continues to this very day.
In picturing the day of his own funeral 20 years earlier, Spurgeon said to his congregation:
…when you see my coffin carried to the silent grave, I should like every one of you, whether converted or not, to be constrained to say, “He did earnestly urge us, in plain and simple language, not to put off the consideration of eternal things. He did entreat us to look to Christ.
Even today, more than 130 years after his death, C.H. Spurgeon continues to do just that.
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Let's talk about four critical areas of evidence for the reliability of the Bible. We'll explore the wealth of evidence supporting the trustworthiness of Scripture, from thousands of biblical manuscripts and archaeological findings to the faithful preservation of original writings and the timely composition of the New Testament.
1 | Manuscript Evidence: Discover how the 6,000 New Testament manuscripts, far surpassing any other ancient document, provide a solid foundation for comparing and verifying the accuracy of Scripture.
2 | Archaeological Corroboration: Learn about the numerous archaeological discoveries that align with biblical accounts, further solidifying the historical validity of the Scriptures.
3 | Preservation of Original Texts: Understand the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts in demonstrating the meticulous care scribes took in preserving the Bible's content over centuries.
4 | Historical Timing of New Testament Writings: Gain insight into how the proximity of New Testament writings to the actual events they describe adds an additional layer of credibility.
For more resources on this topic, I recommend the following books:
• Why I Trust the Bible by Bill Mounce https://amzn.to/2WpA0Wc
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh and Sean McDowell https://amzn.to/2VSKxYc
• The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs by Craig Blomberg https://amzn.to/2HuyKGZ
• How We Got the Bible by Neil Gordon Lightfoot
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Benjamin Keach was a pivotal figure in 17th-century Baptist history. Known for his influential writings and his role in introducing hymn singing in Baptist congregations, Keach's contributions have left an indelible mark on religious thought and practice.
His journey from a persecuted dissenter to a respected preacher and author paints a vivid picture of the religious and political turbulence of his time.
And yet, Keach is not as well known as some other figures of church history.
On this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Stanton, a renowned Keach scholar and co-editor of The Works of Benjamin Keach from Particular Baptist Heritage Book.
Dr. Stanton will help us delve deeper into Keach's world, revealing how Keach’s ministry impacted not only his own time but ours as well.
Join us as discuss this tumultuous time in England’s history, how Keach’s children’s book landed him in the stockade, how he pioneered the introduction of hymns to the worship service, what he was like as a family man and pastor, and much more.
When you’re done, check out the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Keach for resources to learn more.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Jonathan Edwards is regarded by many as the greatest mind America has ever produced and he is held up as an excellent example of a pastor-theologian. Even so, many people’s familiarity with Edwards does not extend beyond his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”
In this conversation with Dr. Jeremy Kimble we discuss the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards as well as what Christians can still learn from him today.
For more on Jonathan Edwards, check out his famous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: https://youtu.be/HoDfZR6nWUA
To view the show notes for this episode, visit https://reasonabletheology.org/jonathan-edwards-his-life-and-writings-podcast-18/
Pick up a copy of A Reader’s Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a Baptist preacher in London who lived from 1834 to 1892. By the end of end of the 19th century, more than 100 million copies of Spurgeon’s sermons had been sold in 23 languages. This figure has long since been surpassed many times over, and Spurgeon's sermons continue to minister to people today.
The 6-volume collection of Spurgeon’s sermons – known as the New Park Street Pulpit and the 57-volume Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit comprise one of the greatest collections of sermons in history.
Although these volumes continue to be used and referenced by many, only portions have been re typeset in the more than 100 years since the collection was completed. That means that the majority of copies available from this set are very difficult to read and contain the occasional typo or other error.
On this episode of the podcast, I welcome back Jared Payne of A Pilgrim’s Coffer, who has undertaken a brand new, fully re-typeset edition of the New Park Street Pulpit.
We’ll talk about the impact of CH Spurgeon, how Jared became interested in Spurgeon, the lasting value of these printed sermons, and the ambitious project of re-typesetting these sermons.
If you are fan of Charles Spurgeon and have benefited from his written works, you’re going to enjoy our conversation as well as the upcoming new edition of the New Park Street Pulpit.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Jonathan Edwards is regarded as many as the greatest mind America has ever produced, and he is held up as an excellent example of a pastor-theologian. Even so, many people's familiarity with Edwards does not extend beyond his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
On this episode, we speak with Dr. Jeremy Kimble about the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards and discuss what Christians can still learn from him today.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- A biographical sketch of Edwards' life and ministry
- Why you need to read more than "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
- Edwards' key role in the First Great Awakening
- What Edwards was like as a pastor
- An overview of many of his major written works and where you should start
- What Jonathan Edwards' lasting legacy has been
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
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If our calendar is broken up into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (anno Domini, the year of our Lord) doesn’t that mean Jesus was born in year one (since we don’t count year zero)?
Actually, the issue is a bit more complex than that.
Although the Gospel writers did not focus primarily on preserving a precise chronological history of Jesus’ life and ministry, we can still approximate some key dates by comparing historical markers with passages of Scripture.
Here’s why many scholars say Jesus was born between 5 and 6 B.C.
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Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years. But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
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You may have come across the terms “deconstruction” or “exvangelical” in recent years, or have perhaps seen high-profile Christian leaders walk away from the faith.
But what is deconstruction, and why does it seem to be a growing problem?
On this episode of the podcast I’m talking with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, who have just written a new book together called The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond.”
Alisa is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and worship leader. She’s the author of two other books “Another Gospel” and “Live your Truth and other lies” which we have had conversations about on previous episodes of the podcast.
Tim has worked as an apologist for Stand to Reason since 2015. Tim trains Christians to think clearly about what they believe and why they believe it.
He’s also the host of the popular YouTube Channel “Red Pen Logic with Mr. B.”
On this episode we’ll talk about:
- What’s deconstruction is
- What factors into a person’s decision to walk away from the faith
- The role of social media in fueling this phenomenon
- How we can rightly respond to those in our lives who are struggling with or have walked away from the faith they once professed.
Listen to our conversation and see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Deconstruction
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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What are the Five Points of Calvinism and what do these doctrines teach us about salvation?
Known as both the Doctrines of Grace and the Five Points of Calvinism, these doctrines are named for the distinct theological stances taken by the reformer John Calvin (who didn’t use this term himself).
You have likely come across the acrostic T.U.L.I.P. as a memory aid for these doctrinal positions. In this video I provide a concise description of each of the five doctrines represented by each letter:
○ Total Depravity
○ Unconditional Election
○ Limited Atonement
○ Irresistible Grace
○ Perseverance of the Saints
The Five Points of Calvinism are merely summaries of what the Bible teaches about salvation. We do not revere these doctrines because they were taught by John Calvin, but because they are found in Scripture.
➤ For a free PDF of Bible verses in support of each of these doctrines, visit https://reasonabletheology.org/the-five-points-of-calvinism-free-download/
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Apologist Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason provides an overview of the "Columbo Tactic" and how it can help you stay in the driver's seat in challenging conversations.
The "Columbo" tactic, named after the TV detective, is a strategic approach for introducing spiritual topics into conversations through simple, leading questions. It involves asking open-ended, inquisitive questions like "What do you mean by that?" to gently steer the conversation towards spirituality.
The tactic aims to expose flaws or contradictions in others' views in a non-confrontational manner. For instance, following up with "How did you come to that conclusion?" respects the other person's reasoning and encourages them to articulate their beliefs, providing more insight for further discussion.
Even when faced with responses lacking clear reasoning, the Columbo tactic uses straightforward, relevant questions to provoke thought, emphasizing the importance of having reasons for one’s beliefs. This method highlights the power of asking well-placed questions to facilitate deeper, more meaningful conversations about spiritual matters.
▶ Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/CZrApYwhP7Y
📖 Pick up a copy of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions https://amzn.to/478Sppl
📖 Pick up a copy of Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges https://amzn.to/49yRWOA
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How would you respond if someone presented a challenge to the truth claims of Christianity? Would you be nervous? Feel ill-equipped? What if you could eliminate your anxiety, take control of intimidating conversations, and help others think more clearly about their views and the truth of Scripture?
The key to all of this? Asking good questions.
That’s what Greg Koukl’s latest book, Street Smarts, is all about. Greg is back on the podcast to talk about how questions can help answer Christianity’s toughest challenges.
Koukl has hosted his call-in radio show Stand to Reason for over 30 years, has written many helpful books including Tactics: A Gameplan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.
Street Smarts picks up where Tactics left off, providing model questions and example conversations to effectively discuss your Christian beliefs, even on hot-button issues such as moral relativism, the authenticity of Scripture, the gospel, abortion, marriage, gender, and more.
In this discussion we’ll talk about:
- How Greg became involved in apologetics
- How Street Smarts expands on the book Tactics
- The difference between harvesting and gardening when it comes to evangelism
- The benefits of asking questions in difficult conversations
- How we can be better equipped to engage with others on difficult, controversial issues
You can find the show notes for this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/StreetSmarts, where I will put links to our previous conversation on Tactics as well as the different resources we mention during our conversation.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle that Jesus performed that is recorded in all four Gospels. This alone shows us just how important this event is in the ministry of Christ.
In this sermon we examine Matthew 14:13-21 alongside the parallel accounts in Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6 to gain a fuller understanding of what this miracle revealed about Christ to those who witnessed these things and how we can rightly understand and apply the lessons it has to teach us.
In this message we will see that Jesus’ greatest act of compassion in feeding the 5,000 was not that he took away their hunger, but that He revealed to them that He was the one who had come to take away their sin.
Matthew 14:13-2113 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.
On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Learn more at ReasonableTheology.org/Luther
Some Recommended Luther Biographies
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton: https://amzn.to/3QgzxNE
Luther and the Reformation: How a Monk Discovered the Gospel by RC Sproul: https://amzn.to/46P54O6
The Legacy of Luther by RC Sproul and Stephen Nichols: https://amzn.to/3Qad6Kd
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Christians have more access to Scripture than ever before. At the same time, study after study reveals that our time actually reading the Bible is declining. If we’re honest, most of us have experienced difficulty with getting into the Word and really engaging with the text.
Why is this the case, and how can we overcome our tendency to leave our Bibles unread?
On this episode of the podcast I speak with Alex Goodwin, co-founder of the Institute for Bible Reading and the author of The Bible Reset: Simple Breakthroughs to Make Scripture Come Alive.
In this conversation Alex and I discuss:
○ How some of the modern formatting in our Bibles creates friction that slows down our reading
○ The benefits of reading large sections (or even entire books) of the Bible in one sitting
○ Why we should read Scripture in community with other believers
○ How understanding what he calls the ‘six act drama’ of Scripture can help us connect the Bible’s central themes and get more out of our study.
Listen to our conversation and find some ways that you can reset your Bible reading habits.
________________
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology.org/Reset
► Pick up a copy of Bible Reset: https://amzn.to/3FmgCw1
► See All Podcast Guest's Books: https://amzn.to/441gkou
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If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Introducing the 5-Foot Bookshelf, my list of 57 must-have books every Christian should own, all fitting neatly into a 5-foot shelf!
This whole idea was sparked by Charles W. Elliot, a past president of Harvard University, who believed you could get a solid education with just a 3-foot bookshelf. Eventually, he expanded it to 5 feet and filled it with a wide range of books now known as the "Harvard Classics."
I've curated a list of books in areas like Biblical studies, theology, church history, and Christian living, aiming to deepen your understanding of Scripture and strengthen your faith. Whether you're building your library from scratch, looking to expand your shelves, or just interested in a good book recommendation you're sure to find something on this list.
As the title suggests, these recommendations take up only 5 feet of shelf space in total, making this the perfect list for those with limited shelf space and a limited budget.
See the List & Download a Printable Copy: https://reasonabletheology.org/the-5-foot-bookshelf-57-great-books-every-christian-should-own/#7-christian-literature
📖 THE FIVE-FOOT BOOKSHELF COVERS:• Biblical Studies
• Theology
• Apologetics
• Church History
• Christian Living
• Personal Devotion
• Christian Literature
LEAVE YOUR SUGGESTIONSI'd love to hear your thoughts and any book recommendations you might have. But remember: if you suggest a book, let me know which one you'd swap out to keep within the 5-foot limit.
🛒 View the Full List on Amazon
Explore all the books mentioned in one place on this Amazon list: https://amzn.to/3tjwBIq
____________________________________________
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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William Tyndale was a Reformer, a Bible translator, and – ultimately – a martyr. He became an outlaw as he worked in secret to give England a translation of Scripture in their own language directly from original Hebrew and Greek texts.
In doing so, he had a tremendous impact not only on the history of the church but also on the history of the English language. Every modern translation of the Bible relies heavily on Tyndale’s work, and he helped to standardize the English language and came up with many words and phrases that are still in use today.
Although he was able to smuggle his New Testament translations into England, many were confiscated and burned by the Catholic Church. Because of this (and the fact that about 500 years has passed since they were initially published), original copies of Tyndale’s work are extremely rare.
On this episode of the podcast I speak with Owen Felix O’Neill – a rare book collector who has an original, complete copy of the Tyndale New Testament of 1534. He is in the process of making a facsimile copy of this remarkable book available to all, and you can learn more about the project at Tyndale1534.com.
Felix and I discuss the great impact that Tyndale’s Bible had on the church, how he got started with his collection of over 3,000 rare books, and how they have gone about scanning and reproducing his copy of Tyndale’s New Testament. We’ll also get to learn about a couple of other interesting items in his collection.
Check out the show notes for this episode and learn more about the project at ReasonableTheology.org/Tyndale.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
- the latest article or podcast episode
- a helpful theological definition
- a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history
- a musical selection to enrich your day
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Support the show
GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
- A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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- Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
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The three main philosophies which characterized Judaism in the New Testament period and before were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes.
So what’s the difference between these three groups?
In this short episode you'll get an overview of each in order to help you as you encounter them in your study of the New Testament and its historical context.
Get the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:
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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
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The Holy Spirit has been referred to as the “forgotten member of the Trinity.” At one extreme there are those who all but ignore the person and work of the Spirit and at the other extreme there are those who stray from Scripture in seeking to harness the power of the Spirit for their own purposes.
We don’t want to commit either of these errors, but instead we desire to have a right understanding of and appreciation for the Holy Spirit.
On this episode we’ll talk with Costi Hinn, who grew up in the extremes of the Word of Faith Movement but was saved and now serves as the Pastor as well as the founder and president of For the Gospel.
He’s also the author of Knowing the Spirit: Who He Is, What He Does, and How He Can Transform Your Christian Life.
We’ll discuss the common misconceptions about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, how Christians can discern whether something is of the Spirit or not, what it means to worship in Spirit and in truth, and how we are to understand practices like speaking in tongues or prophesying.
This is a great conversation that will help you better understand and appreciate the person and work of the Spirit in your everyday life.
Check out the show notes and see additional resources at ReasonableTheology.org/Hinn
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If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Can the techniques used to solve homicides be the same tools to establish the case for Christianity?
J. Warner Wallace was a seasoned homicide detective and a devout atheist. But everything changed when he turned his investigator’s eye towards the claims of Christianity, applying ten common rules of evidence that he’d used to solve crimes throughout his career.
The result? A transformation from skepticism to faith, and a bestselling book, “Cold-Case Christianity,” which has just released an updated and expanded 10th anniversary edition.
In this latest conversation with Detective Wallace we talk about how he used his skill set as a detective to evaluate the claims of Christianity.
- We’ll also learn about how we can employ the rules of evidence when evaluating the reliability of the Gospels.
- We’ll learn the important difference between direct and indirect evidence and how this impacts how we try to present the truthfulness of the Christian faith.
- We’ll also hear his advice for those who are earnestly seeking to understand whether or not the claims of Christ are true.
To see the show notes, explore links to other resources, or watch our conversation visit ReasonableTheology.org/coldcase
Pick up a copy of Cold Case Christianity: https://amzn.to/3Pp1eVu
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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When was the book of Acts written, and what difference does it make?
Understanding when the book of Acts was written allows us to determine when many other New Testament books were composed.
Unfortunately, Biblical writings do not contain a copyright date, like a modern book do and so there is a wide range of opinion on when Acts was written.
Even so, we can be confident that it was composed in the early to mid-60s. Here are a few ways that scholars are able to reach that conclusion.
For more information: https://reasonabletheology.org/dating-book-acts/
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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The use of paratroopers began in WW2. At the start of the war, landing airborne soldiers in the correct location in the dark was a challenge.
To solve this problem, the military created the pathfinders. Pathfinders were small groups of specially trained paratroopers who jumped ahead of the rest of the force. Once on the ground, the job of the pathfinder was to mark the correct drop zone with signal beacons, flares, or special lanterns visible from the air.
These men would literally light the way, allowing pilots and paratroopers to see where they needed to land. In the midst of darkness and chaos, fear and danger, light provided a way for others to head in the right direction.
The Christian is to be such a light. In many ways, we are called to be spiritual pathfinders pointing others to Jesus Christ in a dark and dangerous world where it is easy for people to follow the wrong things and end up far from God.
Philippians 2:12-16
*Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
____________________________________*
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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"Blessed are the poor in spirt…blessed are those who mourn…blessed are the meek..."
Christ’s beatitudes in Matthew 5 present a means of obtaining joy and blessedness in this life that is drastically different than what our culture presents as the pathway to success and fulfillment.
Yet in the beatitudes we will find great wisdom and practical answers for how Christians are to live in this world and how we are best able to cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
On this episode I speak with Pastor Chris Castaldo about his latest book, The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes.We discuss how these counter-intuitive principles from Jesus truly are the best way to navigate our fallen world, how some believers misunderstand and wrongly reject calls to be meek peacemakers in our contentious culture, what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and how the beatitudes can help us to live well in a world increasingly hostile to the things of God.
You’ll find the show notes for this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/Kingdom where you can find more resources to dive deeper into this topic.
____________________________________________________
Logos Bible Software is a powerful platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, church history resources and much more. As powerful as Logos is, it is also more affordable than you might think.
See which package is right for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos for 10% off plus 5 free books when you use that link and PARTNEROFFER10 at checkout.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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In this conversation with Alisa Childers we talk about how Christians must not give into the world's demands that we abandoned our views in the name of tolerance.
We dive deep into the dangerous bargains the world is making with Christians, demanding that we affirm and celebrate anything and everything, while labeling us as bigots and hateful for holding true to our beliefs.
Discover the deceptions that are subtly luring Christians away from Christ and His teachings. As Christians, we must reject the fool's bargain being offered by the world and instead stand firm in our beliefs.
Watch the full interview with Alisa about her book 'Live Your Truth (And Other Lies)' here: https://youtu.be/lm_ymoCGQjU
Pick up a copy of "Live Your Truth (And Other Lies): https://amzn.to/3dusNN9
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Church membership provides the Christian with a number of blessings, such as providing spiritual accountability, connecting you more intimately with the body of Christ, and opening up greater opportunities to serve and be served.
But joining a church should not be only about what you will gain. As in any relationship, church membership also brings with it a number of important responsibilities and expectations.
This list is not exhaustive, but here are 8 important responsibilities that church members have:
- Attend Regularly
- Pray Consistently
- Live Communally
- Submit Humbly
- Preserve Unity
- Give Generously
- Serve Faithfully
- Pursue Holiness
For more, visit https://reasonabletheology.org/8-responsibilities-of-church-members/
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Did the United States truly have a Christian founding, or were the Founders simply Deists who desired to create a secular nation?
This question has been hotly debated for generations, and our society increasingly regards the idea of America's Christian heritage as something to be minimized, rejected, or denied.
So what is the truth regarding the faith of the Founders and how it influenced their actions as they fought a revolution and brought forth a new nation?
To answer this question we're speaking with historian Mark David Hall. Hall is one of the most distinguished scholars of early American history. He is a professor, a nationally-recognized expert on religious freedom, and the author of several books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding?
In this conversation we'll discuss how Christianity shaped our nation, how much impact deism actually had on some of the founders, the true meaning of the separation of church and state, and how we can return to the biblical founding principles that made America a great nation.
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Founders
Logos Bible Software is a powerful platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, church history resources and much more. As powerful as Logos is, it is also more affordable than you might think.
See which package is right for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos for 10% off plus 5 free books when you use that link and PARTNEROFFER10 at checkout.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
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Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – commonly referred to as the ‘unpardonable’ or ‘unforgiveable’ sin – has been the cause of a lot of debate, confusion, and anxiety for many.
The primary issue is this: If in Christ we are able to find forgiveness for all our sins, how is it that there is one sin which will never be forgiven – either in this age or in the age to come, as Jesus states in Matthew 12?
Moreover, with such grave eternal consequences, even some believers are filled with concern that perhaps they have, at some point committed this sin and will not be saved after all.
Attempts to explain what blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is vary greatly, and many fail to take in to account the context of the passage where it is mentioned.
While some say that this sin can no longer be committed now that Jesus is no longer in His earthly ministry, others say that it refers to especially terrible sins like murder, and still others say that the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is merely referring to the sin of unbelief – that only those who refuse to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior have committed it.
In this sermon on Matthew 12:22-32 I endeavor to examine the context of Jesus’ warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in order to rightly understand what it is, who can commit it, and why the consequences are so dire.
In addition to staying grounded in the text, I also seek to understand this verse within the wider context of what God has revealed about our salvation – namely that it is a work of God’s Spirit whereby he convinces us of our sin, enlightens our mind with the knowledge of Christ, and draws us to embrace Jesus Christ through His effectual calling. Those whom the Spirit draws will, ultimately, be saved. The will of God is not overridden by the will of sinful man.
And so I hope that the following sermon will be helpful to you as we consider the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit within the context of Matthew 12:22-32.
__________________
For the full text of this sermon: https://reasonabletheology.org/what-is-the-unforgiveable-sin/
___________________
Logos Bible Software is a powerful platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, church history resources and much more. As powerful as Logos is, it is also more affordable than you might think.
See which package is right for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos for 10% off plus 5 free books when you use that link and PARTNEROFFER10 at checkout.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:
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Were the Protestant Reformers theological innovators, or were they calling the church to return to it’s foundational beliefs and practices?
On this episode I talk with Dr. Matthew Barrett about his new book The Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
In this discussion we’ll talk about how the reformation and the men who lead it have often been misunderstood and even misrepresented.
Because rather than attempting to do something new and innovative, they were in fact focused on retrieving the historical Christian faith and correcting errors that had seeped into the church over the ages.
Here’s some of what we cover in this conversation:
- A helpful overview about how the Reformers benefited from and made use of the Church Fathers
- Why understanding the Middle Ages is critical for understanding the Reformation
- Our need to embrace the rich history and tradition of the church that goes back much further than the 1500s
You can find the show notes for this episode at at https://ReasonableTheology.org/Renewal where I will provide additional resources for diving deeper into this topic.
______________________________
Pick up a copy of the book The Reformation as Renewal: https://amzn.to/3p6EiQz
60 Days of FREE Audiobooks, Ebooks, and more with Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/g/7pbhm1
View all of the books by guests of the Reasonable Theology podcast in one place: https://amzn.to/441gkou
_______________________________
Logos Bible Software is a powerful platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, church history resources and much more. As powerful as Logos is, it is also more affordable than you might think.
See which package is right for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos for 10% off plus 5 free books when you use that link and PARTNEROFFER10 at checkout.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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On this episode, we will explore the life and legacy of a somewhat lesser known yet no less impactful figure in the history of Puritan theology - Stephen Charnock. Known best for his classic work, "Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God," Charnock's ministry continues to impact believers.
We'll take a look at his journey from his conversion at Emmanuel College in Cambridge to becoming a renowned Puritan theologian and Presbyterian pastor, whose ministry was marked by devotion, passion, and skillful preaching.
This episode will also discuss the unique historical context that shaped Charnock’s ministry, from his time in Ireland as Henry Cromwell’s chaplain, to his return to England, and subsequent expulsion from the church due to the Act of Uniformity. Discover how he practiced his ministry privately for fifteen years until he could again openly serve as a pastor.
We will then delve into his most well-known work, "The Existence and Attributes of God," which was written in the last three years of his life. We will cover the 14 discourses contained within this masterwork, providing you with insights into the broad range of topics it covers - from God's existence to His infinite wisdom and power, and His benevolence in relation to His creation.
By the end of this discussion, I hope you'll appreciate the depth of Charnock's contribution to theology and be inspired to take up and read this classic text. Whether you're a pastor, a theologian, or an everyday believer, "The Existence and Attributes of God" offers a valuable opportunity for deepening your understanding and love for God.
So, join me as we uncover the captivating life and works of Stephen Charnock, and let's together appreciate this historical gem of theological literature! Don't forget to pick up your copy of "The Existence and Attributes of God" and join the exploration.
Purchase a Copy Here: https://amzn.to/43tJMDM___________________________________________________________
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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On the night of June 6, 1944, President Roosevelt went on national radio to address the nation for the first time about the the invasion of Normandy, known now as D-Day. His speech took the form of a prayer.
This is the original audio of FDR's prayer to a nation at war, as he sought God's blessing and protection on "Our sons, pride of our Nation" who had on that day "set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity."
Roosevelt asked God to "Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith...."
Here is the audio of FDR's address in full.
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If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Raising the spiritually dead to newness of life is the work of the Holy Spirit, yet God is pleased to use the faithful obedience of parents as a means of drawing their children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In this exchange with Sean McDowell, we discuss how Christian parents can be more proactive in passing on the faith to their kids.
Watch the full interview with Sean here: https://youtu.be/b1N0d8pyRpw
See the Show Notes, Read the Transcript, and Watch the Video at https://ReasonableTheology.org/Sean
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Many people are reluctant to share their faith because they are afraid of looking like an idiot. Fortunately, there’s a helpful new book out called “How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot.”
In this episode of the podcast I talk with the author of this book, Andy Bannister, about how to grow past being an ‘undercover Christian’ at work, school, and other places outside of church. We talk about how a right understand of our role in evangelism relieves anxiety about sharing the Gospel, the power of asking good questions, and how we can point people to Jesus more frequently in our conversations.
Enjoy this conversation with Andy Bannister to hear his tips on how we can have natural conversations with friends, family, and even strangers about our faith.
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology,org/Andy
► Pick up a copy of Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land: https://amzn.to/3ovb1i5
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Logos Bible Software is a powerful platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, church history resources and much more. As powerful as Logos is, it is also more affordable than you might think.
See which package is right for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos for 10% off plus 5 free books when you use that link and PARTNEROFFER10 at checkout.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Andrew Peterson's 'The Wingfeather Saga' is a captivating series of four fantasy novels that follow the adventures of the Igiby family. The story is set in a world full of interesting people, wonder, and danger, where the characters must confront a variety of enemies, including fangs, toothy cows, and other creatures and adversaries.
The Wingfeather Saga is a must-read for families who are looking for a high-quality, engaging, and deeply meaningful series of books that will capture the imaginations of both children and adults. If you're looking for a series of books that will inspire and encourage your children while also providing a thrilling and enjoyable reading experience, pick up a copy of The Wingfeather Saga.
Pick Up the Box Set: https://amzn.to/41v8nax
Book 1 - On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: https://amzn.to/41TzVGn
Book 2 - North! Or Be Eaten: https://amzn.to/3oB4Pow
Book 3 - The Monster in the Hollows: https://amzn.to/3oDpFDw
Book 4 - The Warden and the Wolf King: https://amzn.to/3oroqHy
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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In a world where Christianity is often portrayed by critics as a force for oppression and intolerance, my guest Mark David Hall offers a different perspective.
In this episode we'll discuss his new book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans, which details how Christianity has played a significant role in advancing liberty and equality throughout the history of the United States.
We Talk About:
• How critical views such as those of the 1619 Project portray Christianity
• Ways in which the Puritans helped set the stage for representational government
• The role of Christians during the Revolutionary War era
• How Scripture was misused in our history to support the evils of slavery
• The impact of Christians on the abolitionist movement to end slavery
• How followers of Christ should view their role in the public square today
Listen as we discuss Christianity's important contributions to the founding and growth of the American Experiment with the author of Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land.
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology,org/Liberty
► Pick up a copy of Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land: https://amzn.to/3n6Sg3T
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If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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The name Herod is mentioned nearly 50 times in the New Testament, but Scripture is not speaking of just one man.
There are five different rulers named Herod referred to in Scripture: Herod the Great, his sons Herod Archelaus and Herod Antipas, and his grandsons Herod Agrippa I and Herod Agrippa II. (Herod Philip would make six, though he is mentioned simply as Phillip).
On this episode, we explore the five different Herods mentioned in the New Testament, including their historical context, where they show up in Scripture, and how they are important to understanding New Testament times.
For more on this topic, visit ReasonableTheology.org/Herod
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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On this episode, we will examine the question of whether or not after His death on the cross Jesus "descended into hell" as stated in the Apostles’ Creed.
While many Christians recite this creed, some have questioned whether the phrase “He descended into hell” should be included due to the lack of an explicit passage of Scripture teaching this.
We will evaluate several possible interpretations of this phrase and compare them to God's Word to see if they hold up. Join me as we delve into the historical context and theology behind this belief and explore the important question of how we should respond if we cannot affirm this particular line in the Apostles' Creed.
► For additional resources on this topic: https://reasonabletheology.org/did-jesus-descend-into-hell/
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If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Evidence that Demands a Verdict provides an extensive defense of the Christian faith and provides readers with a ready defense across a broad range of topics.
This nearly 800 page apologetics resource from Josh and Sean McDowell is a completely updated and revised edition of the original of the same name.
Written in outline form, this textbook on apologetics jams as much content as possible into each section. Though many will find this most useful as a reference book rather than reading it cover to cover, it has proven to be among the most complete and helpful books for those interested in studying, teaching, and defending the reasons for their faith in Christ.
Evidence That Demands a Verdict is broken up into four sections and covers the reliability and historicity of the Bible, the case for belief in Christ, the case for Christianity, and an examination of competing worldviews and religions. This is perhaps the best apologetics reference book available.
► Pick up a Copy at https://amzn.to/3Kr9EcA
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Historic creeds and confessions are incredibly important for the church. They help us to understand and articulate the key doctrines of the Christian faith in a clear and concise manner and they have helped guide believers into deeper understanding of orthodox theology.
Creeds, Confessions and Catechisms: A Reader’s Edition (Edited by Chad Van Dixhoorn – Professor of Church History at Westminster, published by Crossway) includes 13 of the most important documents in Church history with introductions for each by Dixhoorn that explains the origins and significance of each document.
You’ll find things like the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds, the Westminster and London Baptist Confessions of faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, and much more.
I wholeheartedly recommend that believers have access to these creeds, confessions, and catechisms and make regular use of them in their study of Scripture.
This is a great looking edition that gathers them together in one place so that every Christian can have them on their shelf.
► Purchase a copy of Creeds, Confessions & Catechisms: A Reader's Edition: https://amzn.to/3LNRBhT
_____________________
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for a fair and honest review. If you purchase a copy using the link included I will receive a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Using these links is a great way to support Reasonable Theology!
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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All men are hardwired with certain instincts that can either be a help or a hindrance to them as they seek to become the men God has designed them to be.
Our guest on this episode is Chase Replogle, pastor of Bent Oak Church in Springfield, MO and the host of the Pastor Writer Podcast. We're discussing his new book The Five Masculine Instincts: A Guide to Becoming a Better Man.We'll discuss what each of these five instincts are and how better understanding them can help us develop our character as Christian men.
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology,org/Instincts
► Pick up a copy of The 5 Masculine Instincts: https://amzn.to/3ZkMJEJ
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There is no shortage of new books to read, but we all have favorites that we have read multiple times.
One of the books that I’ve reread the most is Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders.
While you may expect that this book would be focused solely on those interested in learning or sharpening leadership skills for their work or ministry roles, this book contains incredible insight that will benefit every Christian. In fact, the full title of the book captures this perfectly: Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer.To encourage you to check out this book for yourself, I'd like to share 14 of my favorite quotes from this work. You can find each of the quotes as well as links to pick up a copy of the book at ReasonableTheology.org/Leadership
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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God is not disinterested in how we worship Him. The Regulative Principle of Worship seeks to help the church worship God His way, not ours.
On this episode we examine the biblical basis of the Regulative Principle of Worship and explore how it informs the way in which worship should be conducted in the church.
We also compare it to alternative principles, such as the Inventive Principle and the Normative Principle, and discuss the challenges associated with each of these views.
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology,org/Worship
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When you think of challenges that Christians face in reaching the culture with the Gospel, you typically think of issues such as atheism, agnosticism, or perhaps living in a place that predominantly adheres to a different religion, such as Islam.
On this episode of the podcast our guest Kyle Beshears argues that apathy is the great challenge that we have to face in our culture, as people are increasingly apathetic towards spiritual things.
Kyle is the author of Apatheism: How We Share When They Don't Care, and in this conversation we will talk about the four conditions that lead to a culture to become 'apatheistic' and how we can seek to overcome those hurdles when sharing the Gospel with those around us.
Check out the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/68
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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God the Son taking on flesh did not come as a Plan B after man’s failure to uphold the religious system they were entrusted with. Even a cursory reading of the Old Testament reveals that redemptive history was always steadily marching towards the appearance of God’s Messiah who would bring salvation to His people.
This took place precisely when God intended for it to. In Galatians we read that “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
What we see here in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel is the revelation that this long-awaited moment, the fulness of time, had come – that He who made man would become man in a matter of months.
The Messiah was soon to arrive.
With anticipation built up over the centuries for Immanuel to come and ‘ransom captive Israel,’ we see His entrance would not come as a conquering king, but instead an angelic messenger is sent from God to an obscure young woman in an obscure town in Galilee.
In this sermon on Luke 1:26-33 we will consider the messenger, secondly we will look to Mary and her response, and finally we will look at how Gabriel describes the coming Messiah.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years. But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings,
Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
See more hymn stories at https://reasonabletheology.org/hymn-stories
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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In Matthew 8:23-27 we read the dramatic account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Unfortunately, the primary message of this passage is often minimized or missed altogether.
The ultimate lesson here is not about Jesus calming the storms in your life, nor do we find a promise here that Jesus will get you safely to every destination you set for yourself.
The calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee is first and foremost about being confronted with the nature of Jesus Christ: truly man yet truly God.Unless we rightly understand this we cannot rightly apply this passage to our lives.
The following is a sermon I preached on this passage, and I trust that you'll find even greater encouragement here when rightly seeing the focus on Jesus Christ rather than ourselves.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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A firm grasp of church history provides believers with encouragement to press on in the midst of difficulties, gives us warnings to avoid the mistakes of the past, and provides us with a better understanding of the men, women, and events that God has used to further His kingdom.
But where should a person begin in their study of the history of the church? Which events and eras are especially important, and who are some of the people that every Christian should be familiar with?
On this episode of the podcast we are joined once again by Troy Frasier, co-host of the Revived Thoughts podcast, which brings you some of history’s greatest sermons along with fascinating backstories about the life and times of the men who preached them.
In this conversation we will discuss why studying church history is important for every believer, which eras are especially interesting, key events that you should know about, and the best ways to further educate yourself about the history of Christianity.
We mention a lot of people and a lot of resources on this episode, so be sure to visit https://ReasonableTheology.org/Troy for the show notes and links to additional resources to dive deeper into church history.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Our society desperately needs Christian men to recover a right understanding of Biblical masculinity so that they can strengthen our homes, communities, and our society as a whole as God intended.
Despite the damaging effects that stem from a failure of men to accept responsibility and to love and lead their families as they are called to, our culture encourages prolonged adolescence, provides few helpful role models, and discourages men from fulfilling their God-given roles.
Unfortunately the church has often not done a great job at instilling true biblical masculinity — either failing to give it proper attention or doing little more than creating ‘manly’ social clubs or offering an occasional men’s retreat. There is much more work to do to recover a right understanding of what it means to be a godly man, husband, and father.
On this episode we speak with Jeremy Stalnecker about Biblical masculinity. Jeremy is a former Marine Corps infantry officer and is an author, speaker, and the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, which works with military veterans and others overcoming PTSD.
During our conversation we will define Biblical masculinity, examine the ways in which unhealthy views of manhood have negatively impacted our society, and discuss how we can recover a right understanding of godly masculinity and pass it on to the next generation.
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Manliness
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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There are three questions which every person must find answers to: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?
While secularism, naturalism, and relativism all attempt to provide satisfying answers to these questions, there can be no ultimate meaning in life without God. But in today’s culture the idea of the existence of God has largely been rejected.
This has resulted in a society that desperately needs to hear the evidence for believing in God and restoring Him to His rightful place in our lives.
On this episode, apologist Josh McDowell shares why belief in God is vital for finding meaning in life and provides evidence for His existence based on reason and observation.
His latest book, co-authored by Thomas Williams, is called How to Know God Exists: Solid Reasons to Believe in God, Discover Truth, and Find Meaning in Your Life. In it they use reason and common sense to show that only God provides answers to life’s most important questions.
During our conversation we’ll discuss the relationship between faith and reason, why secular worldviews fail to give meaning to life, and how the challenges to and criticisms of Christianity have changed over the six decades of his ministry.
See the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Josh
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Did the United States truly have a Christian founding, or were the Founders simply Deists who desired to create a secular nation?
This question has been hotly debated for generations, and our society increasingly regards the idea of America's Christian heritage as something to be minimized, rejected, or denied.
So what is the truth regarding the faith of the Founders and how it influenced their actions as they fought a revolution and brought forth a new nation?
To answer this question we're speaking with historian Mark David Hall. Hall is one of the most distinguished scholars of early American history. He is a professor, a nationally-recognized expert on religious freedom, and the author of several books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding?
In this conversation we'll discuss how Christianity shaped our nation, how much impact deism actually had on some of the founders, the true meaning of the separation of church and state, and how we can return to the biblical founding principles that made America a great nation.
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Founders
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On October 6 1536 William Tyndale was executed by being tied to a stake, strangled, and burned.
His crime? Translating the Bible into the English language.
Listen to the fascinating story of this Protestant Reformer, Bible translator, and martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(This is a rebroadcast of an earlier episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast)
For more information, visit ReasonableTheology.org/episode35.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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“Live your truth.”
“Follow your heart.”
“God wants you to be happy.”
“You only live once.”
These phrases are more than empty platitudes. These nice-sounding lies are quickly becoming deeply held cultural beliefs that promise great freedom yet in reality heap up burdens we were not meant to bear.
On this episode we welcome Alisa Childers back to the podcast. Alisa joined us previously on episode 34 to talk about so-called ‘progressive Christianity.’ This time we’re talking about her latest book "Live Your Truth (and Other Lies): Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed."
In this conversation we will talk about why catchy social media slogans are able to take root in our culture and in our churches, why these subtle lies bring us greater burdens rather than relief, and how we can escape false notions of what the Christian life looks like.
Along the way we’ll also talk about the power and pitfalls of social media, the critical difference between subjective and objective truth, and whether or not women are especially targeted by the ‘believe in yourself’ version of Christianity.
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Be sure to check out the show notes and other resources for this episode at https://www.ReasonableTheology.org/YourTruth and learn more about Alisa’s work at https://www.AlisaChilders.com.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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How can you introduce the Christian faith to someone who thinks they already are Christian? My guest on this episode is from Mormonism Research Ministry, which is dedicated to reaching current and former Mormons with the true Gospel.
Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 and has written a number of books on this unique area of evangelism, including Sharing the Good News with Mormons which we had a conversation back on episode 5 of the podcast.
His latest book is Introducing Christianity to Mormons: A Practical and Comparative Guide to What the Bible Teaches where he compares and contrasts Mormon views with the teaching of God’s Word.
In this episode we’ll discuss how the doctrines of the Latter-Day Saints differ from Scripture, why a significant number of Mormons are not only leaving Mormonism but are abandoning religion altogether, and how we can effectively challenge their views with Scripture when they believe the Bible is true only “as far as it has been translated correctly.”
We will also get into some of the very, very different theological views on God and Jesus Christ that Mormon missionaries typically won’t get into when they knock on your door and discuss a game plan for how we can witness to Mormons that we interact with.
You can see the show notes with additional resources from this conversation at ReasonableTheology.org/Mormon
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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If you’ve been around Reasonable Theology for any length of time you’ll have gathered that I greatly admire CH Spurgeon and share resources from his extensive ministry often.
So it is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Geoff Chang to the podcast. Chang is curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and he’s the author of a new book Spurgeon The Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry.
In this conversation we’ll talk about how Chang became academically interested in Spurgeon, the purpose of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern, what Spurgeon was like as a pastor of a local church, and why he was able to avoid the pitfalls of being a celebrity pastor of a large church.
Along the way we’ll discuss how Spurgeon was able to accomplish so much and how this larger-than-life figure from church history can still be an encouragement to pastors of small churches.
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See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/PastorSpurgeon
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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John Calvin (1509-1564) is a man whose extensive theological contributions have impacted countless believers and whose name has become synonymous with Reformed Theology.
But who was John Calvin and why did he dedicate his life to the preaching and teaching of God's Word? This brief biographical sketch will introduce you to this pastor, theologian, and Reformer.
We'll Cover:
- Calvin's early life
- How he was talked into ministering in Geneva
- His later banishment from Geneva
- Calvin's time in Strasbourg and return to Geneva
- His constant trials
- John Calvin's continuing legacy
For more information on Calvin:
- John Calvin: Pastor, Theologian, Reformer
- The Five Points of Calvinism: Defining the Doctrines of Grace
- Calvin's Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life
If you enjoy the Reasonable Theology Podcast go to ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe and get the weekly email, which includes the latest article or podcast episode, a helpful theological definition, a painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church history, a musical selection to enrich your day, and the best book deal I've found that week to build your library.
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Scripture tells us that believers are to "pray without ceasing." Yet many Christians recognize that their prayer lives are not what they would like them to be.
So how are we to pray?
Thankfully we aren’t left without an answer to that vital question. Jesus taught His disciples how they were to pray, and this model prayer — commonly known as the Lord's Prayer — provides guidance to improve our prayer lives.
In this sermon on Matthew 6:9-13 we'll examine and apply each element of the Lord's Prayer and see how we can use it as a model for our own prayers.
See the full text of this sermon at ReasonableTheology.org/episode57
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As Christians, we benefit greatly from the ministry of our fellow believers – this includes those who lived long before our time. Thanks to their preserved writings, we can all learn from pastors, authors, and theologians from throughout church history and have our faith strengthened through their faithful lives.
But even though these great works have stood the test of time and are readily available in both print and digital form, we don’t always make use of the storehouse of spiritual treasures we have access to.
Our guest Jared Payne joins us to talk about how we can benefit from the written works of the Reformers, Puritans and others and how we can develop the habit of reading older works.
Jared runs A Pilgrim’s Coffer Theology, which is dedicated to “urging the claims of Christ’s cause, advocating the revival of godliness, denouncing error, bearing witness for truth, and encouraging the laborer’s in the Lord’s vineyard.”
We’ll talk about the value of older works and how they provide unique helps in our modern times. Along the way Jared will share some of his favorite works that he recommends all Christians read and you’ll come away with a solid list of books to add to your shelf.
You’ll also learn of a digital tool that can grant you access to hard to find and out of print theological and devotional books completely free and learn about a new magazine that can help you expand your biblical and theological knowledge as well as your personal library with great works from the past.
You can learn more and explore additional resources at ReasonableTheology.org/Pilgrim
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In John 14:13-14, Jesus tells His disciples: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
John 16:23 says “In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
Believer it or not, there are some who misuse these verses!
In fact, there are several ways we might misunderstand and misuse praying in Jesus’ name.
The first is the most obvious, and that is to treat God as our own cosmic concierge who is obligated to do our bidding whenever we use the magic phrase, “In Jesus name, amen.”
But the other way we misunderstand praying in Jesus' name is to simply tack this phrase onto the end of our prayers out of mere tradition and filler words at the end of our prayers.
We don't want to do either of these things.
In this radio interview I discuss what it means to pray in Jesus' name and how these truths should impact our prayer lives.
Read more at www.ReasonableTheology.org/Pray
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Every day it becomes more evident that our culture is actively and aggressively promoting ideas and agendas that go against God's Word.
Whether it is abortion, gender issues, drugs, or other hot-button topics, those who hold to a biblical worldview are facing increasing pressure to compromise their beliefs to avoid being ostracized from society.
With the news media, movies, music, sports, and just about everything else pushing an agenda that goes against Scripture, it is time for Christians to view themselves as rebels — rebels who stand for truth in a world gone mad.
Listen as Sean McDowell shares why Christians must make bold stands for Jesus on controversial issues and how we can do so in a loving way.
Sean is an author, speaker, and associate professor at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He’s authored or edited more than 18 books, including his latest book A Rebel’s Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love amid the Noise of Today’s World.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- Why standing for Christ makes us rebels in today's culture
- Why Christians need to speak into controversial issues
- How our view of God and His Word impacts how we engage with our culture
- Ways parents can prepare their kids to withstand the onslaught of anti-biblical views
- How we can be both bold and loving as we make a stand for truth
See the Show Notes, Read the Transcript, and Watch the Video at ReasonableTheology.org/Sean
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If you've sat under a good preacher or have opened a good commentary, you are aware that there is a depth to the original languages of Scripture that can sometimes be difficult to capture in our English translations.
But have you ever considered learning biblical Greek or Hebrew yourself?
Our guest today says this is not only highly beneficial for your study of Scripture but is also entirely possible - even if you are not a whiz with learning languages.
His name is Ryan Martin and he is the founder and lead instructor for KairosClassroom.com, an online school that offers affordable and accessible courses in New Testament Greek and Old Testament Hebrew.
Listen as we discuss the many benefits of learning a biblical language, why having a command of Greek or Hebrew is not as difficult as you might think, and tips for picking up a language more quickly.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- The value of learning a biblical language
- Why Greek and Hebrew are not just for pastors and seminary students
- How you can learn a biblical language in as little as 3 hours a week
- Why learning Greek and Hebrew might not be as difficult as you think
- Tips for learning a biblical language more effectively
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode53 Use promo code THEOLOGY at KairosClassroom.com for 10% off your Greek or Hebrew classes!
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If you spend much time on social media, you've likely come across RefToons - cartoons depicting figures from church history such as Calvin, Owen, Spurgeon, and many more.
RefToons exists to preserve the legacy of theologians of the past by producing humorous and thought-provoking comic strips that bring clarity to various biblical teachings through visual storytelling.
On this episode of the podcast we talk with Paul Cox, the artist behind RefToons, to learn about how his love for deep theology inspires his creative work.
Along the way we'll also talk about the importance of church history, the value of catechisms, and which person is Paul's favorite one to draw.
On this Episode We'll Discuss:
- How Paul became a cartoonist
- How RefToons got its start
- The impact older works from pastors and theologians have had
- The process of creating a RefToon comic
- Why merging humor and theology is helpful in our social media age
- The importance of catechisms and how Paul's illustrated Baptist and Westminster Catechisms came to be
- Paul's favorite person to draw and what he hopes to create in the future
See the Show Notes, including a video of our conversation and some of the RefToons comics at www.ReasonableTheology.org/RefToons
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Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Despite this wonderful promise, we often allow hurry and distraction keep us from spending focused time with Christ in prayer. How can we build discipline in this area and how can we grow in our prayer lives?
On this episode we are joined by Asheritah Ciuciu as we discuss a pattern for prayer that can help you deepen your communion with Christ and resist distraction when praying.
On this episode we discuss:
- How Asheritah's book seeks to help others develop the habit of daily prayer
- How the acronym of REST can help us focus our prayers and take the time to be still before the Lord
- What we learn about prayer by looking at prayers in Scripture
- The value of praying through passages in the Bible
- How we can cultivate the discipline of prayer in our personal lives and in our homes
See the Show Notes and Transcript at ReasonableTheology.org/Rest
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The subject of sin is not a comfortable topic for study or discussion. Even so, there is great value in understanding the problem of sin, as it is by having a right understanding of the problem we are able to effectively fight against it and appreciate what Christ has done for us.
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Mark Jones, who uses his knowledge of the works of the Puritans to guide others into a greater understanding of the problem of and solution to our indwelling sin.
Mark Jones is the author of the book Knowing Sin: Seeing A Neglected Doctrine Through The Eyes Of The Puritans.
I trust that you will find this conversation an encouragement to renew your fight against sin while relying more fully on the finished work of Jesus Christ to do so.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- Why Mark wanted to write a book on the topic of sin
- How the Puritans can help us better understand our sinfulness and Christ’s provision for our weakness
- Particular Puritan works that we can all benefit from
- How the average Christian misunderstands sin
- The differences between sins of omission and sins of commission
- How having a greater understanding of sin deepens our Christian life
- Encouragements we have from Puritan works for fighting sin
See the show notes, additional resources, and a full transcript at ReasonableTheology.org/KnowingSin
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There is no joy on Easter Sunday without the sorrow of Good Friday.
There is no resurrection without the cross.
And there is no salvation without them both.
Without the events of Sunday morning the events of Friday afternoon were merely a terrible tragedy.
The cross was necessary, as it was here Christ bore the wrath of God against sin and took the full weight of its punishment so that our debt of sin against God could be paid in full.
Romans 5:10 says “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”
The Resurrection was necessary, for a dead Savior cannot save anyone. As we read in Romans 4:25, Christ “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
That Christ rose from the dead three days later proves that His sacrifice for sin was accepted by the Father and that Jesus truly has power over both sin and death. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is who Scripture says He is!
Listen to this sermon on Matthew 28 to gain a fuller appreciation for the reality of the Resurrection, the reactions people had and have to this reality, and the right response to the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
See the full transcript of this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/Easter
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This is a 'best of' rebroadcast of the most popular episode of the podcast last year. If you missed it, you'll want to listen to this conversation with Dr. Ray Rhodes Jr about the love story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.
In 1871, Charles Spurgeon wrote to his wife, Susannah "My Own Dear one - None know how grateful I am to God for you. In all I have ever done for Him, you have a large share. For in making me so happy you have fitted me for service. Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more, and never less, for your sweet companionship. The Lord God Almighty bless you now and forever!"
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ray Rhodes, Jr. returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.
On this episode we'll discuss:
- How Charles and Susannah first met
- What their courtship looked like in Victorian England
- How Susannah adjusted to life with the famous preacher
- Susannah's contributions to Charles' ministry
- How Charles ministered to Susannah in their home
- The lasting lessons we can take from their marriage
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode38
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The reliability of Scripture is among the most important truths that the field of apologetics deals with. In this radio interview I discuss four important areas of evidence to be familiar with when defending the Bible's authenticity.
Listen as we talk about why we can trust that our Bibles have been faithfully preserved from the original writings until now.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- The vast number of early manuscripts we have - Scripture is by far the best attested of all ancient writings
- The archaeological support of Biblical people, places, and events
- How we know the writings were faithfully preserved
- When the New Testament accounts were written (and why that matters)
Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/reliable
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In the 2nd chapter of Luke’s gospel we find the familiar passage recounting the birth of Jesus and the angelic announcement of “good news of great joy” to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night.
As remarkable as this passage is its familiarity can cause us to look without seeing and hear without listening. When we come to familiar passages in our Bibles we have a tendency to read quickly over them, assuming that we have gained as much as we can from them already.
And so my hope is that we will approach these verses – as much as possible – with a fresh perspective, eager to take in all of the wonder and amazement that we ought to have as we reflect on the truth that God took on flesh and dwelt among us.
Let us behold the wondrous mystery that the 2nd person of the Trinity would condescend to be made in the likeness of sinful flesh and enter the world in such humble fashion. That while we were still enemies with God He came to seek and to save that which was lost.
May we never lose sight that He is Savior. He is the Christ. He is the Lord.
And as we keep these remarkable truths before us, we will be unable to do anything other than gaze upon our Savior in wonder; to eagerly share the good news of great joy with others; and to praise, glorify, and worship Christ our King.
Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode47
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Every pastor knows the unique challenges of facing critics in their church. The question is, how should they respond to criticism?
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Nick Thompson, who is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee and co-author with Joel Beeke of the book Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry.
Listen in as we discuss how pastors can lovingly respond to critics, learn from constructive criticism, and withstand unjust criticism in the church.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- The danger of pastors not being prepared for and not knowing how to respond to critics
- Places in Scripture we see leaders face criticism
- The role critics play in the sanctification of the pastor
- Practical ways that pastors and ministry leaders can respond well
- Why criticism isn’t always a bad thing
- How pastors can become resilient to criticism without hardening themselves against helpful feedback
- How we as believers can be encouragers of our pastors rather than discouragers
Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/critics
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After more than 2000 years, Jesus Christ remains the most influential figure in all of human history – even by secular standards!
Examining the impact that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has had on the world is helpful in establishing the reliability of the events recorded in the Bible. In fact, you can confirm the historicity and deity of Jesus from history alone, without relying on the New Testament manuscripts.
Join former detective J. Warner Wallace and me as we discuss the incredible impact of and the undeniable evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- How J. Warner Wallace went from homicide detective to Christian apologist
- What the phrase “person of interest” means in police work and in relation to Jesus
- How a “no body” investigation mirrors the investigation into the resurrection of Jesus
- Why Wallace’s “fuse and fallout” approach helps validate the claims of the Gospels
- The importance of historical records outside the Bible
- Why every believer should be familiar with common objections to Christianity
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode45
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The preaching of the Word of God is a vital means of edifying, equipping, and encouraging believers and proclaiming salvation to the lost. But much of what passes for preaching in our day fails to stay tethered to the truth Scripture and instead focuses on man's ideas and methods.
This is why expository preaching, or the comprehensive explanation of a Bible passage in which the text dictates the content of the sermon, is so vitally important.
It is Scripture that "is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), and so the task of the preacher is not to entertain or provide his wisdom but to explain and expound the text.
Listen as we talk with Pastor David Strain about the importance of expository preaching and how we can grow by sitting under good preachers.
On This Episode We'll Discuss
- What expository preaching is (and isn't)
- Why expository preaching is the most helpful means of preaching
- How our view of Scripture impacts our idea of what "good preaching" is
- Historical examples of great expository preachers
- Contemporary examples of great expository preachers
- How we all can get more out of the sermons we listen to on Sundays
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode44
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In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I'll share a 3-step process I learned from one of my seminary professors. This process, he joked, was a secret that could save you $36,000 and several years of effort by eliminating the need for a master’s degree in counseling.
The “secret” 3-step process is simple. It is to guide the conversation through three phases: External, Internal, and Eternal.
Learn more here: https://reasonabletheology.org/a-3-step-process-for-having-spiritual-conversations/
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Attacks against the truth and reliability of Scripture are commonplace. Skeptical scholars have become mainstream, entertainment media mocks believers, and YouTube and podcasting have given a platform to just about anyone wanting to promote their arguments against Scripture and the Christian faith.
Many of these attacks focus on a single assertion: the Bible is an ancient book written and assembled by flawed men with particular agendas.
So can we trust that what is contained in the Bible is really God's Word? Listen as we speak with Bible scholar and translator Dr. Bill Mounce about why we can trust the Bible and the truth claims it makes.
On this episode we’ll discuss:
- Common questions believers and non-believers ask about the reliability of Scripture
- Why skepticism is increasing in today's culture
- Why believers should not shy away from having and asking sincere questions
- How we can be better equipped to answer tough questions
- Reasons we can trust the reliability of our Bibles
- Why Dr. Mounce personally trusts his Bible
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode43
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Personal growth does not happen overnight in any area of our lives, and spiritual growth is no exception. In order to grow, we need to develop regular, consistent practices. These small daily habits are the key to life transformation.
Listen as we speak with Darryl Dash, author of "8 Habits for Spiritual Growth" about 8 long-term practices that will help us become more like Christ.
On this episode we’ll discuss:
- 8 habits that help us grow: Making time, resting, reading Scripture, prayer, church involvement, exercise, simplifying our spiritual lives, and building a rule of life.
- Why these particular habits are so helpful for us
- How some "non-spiritual" habits, such as rest and exercise, help us in our spiritual lives
- Tips for staying on track when trying to develop new habits
- Immediate actions we can take to start building good habits
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode42
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On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we speak with Kevin Halloran about his new book, "When Prayer is a Struggle: A Practical Guide for Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer."Listen as Kevin Halloran shows how gospel truths speak to your prayer struggles, diagnoses issues of the heart that hinder true prayer, and gives practical tips for moving forward. We'll talk about common struggles we all face in our prayer lives and resources for overcoming them.
On this episode we’ll discuss:
- How Kevin's own prayer struggles led to his new book
- The most common struggles we face in praying
- Immediate steps we can take to strengthen our prayer lives
- How praying through Scripture can help us (and the '3 R' method for doing it)
- Practical tools we can use to overcome our prayer struggles
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode41
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Move over televangelists, there's a new prosperity gospel in town. Except this time, it's focused on personal fulfillment, "self-actualizing," and aiming to live an Instagram-perfect lifestyle.
The contemporary church is heavily borrowing from the self-focused culture around us and it is leading many believers away from the simple, humble, God-focused truths of Scripture.
On this episode, we speak with Dean Inserra about how we can guard against hollow, self-focused religion and instead pursue Christ-centered Christianity.
On this episode we’ll discuss:
* Why self-focused Christianity is on the rise
* How this trend compares to the traditional "health and wealth" prosperity gospel
* Examples of this new prosperity gospel and what to watch out for
* Why the notion that God exists for our personal desires is antithetical to Scripture
* How we can avoid falling into believe-in-yourself-religion and help others out of it
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode40
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In this final sermon in this series on the book of Titus, we'll look at Paul's encouragement to devote ourselves to good works, distractions that are enemies of those good works, and Titus' example of good works.
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.For more resources, visit https://www.ReasonableTheology.org
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In Titus 3:17 we will examine three crucial truths that every believer needs to be reminded of often. As we walk through our passage, we will be given a reminder of how we are to live, a reminder of who we once were, and a reminder of what Christ has done for us.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.For more, visit https://www.ReasonableTheology.org/Titus
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This sermon on Titus 2:6-15 explores how in a healthy Christian (and in a healthy church), godly living is motivated and made possible by God’s grace.
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
For more information, visit https://www.ReasonableTheology.org/Titus
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This sermon on Titus 2:1-5 discusses how, in a healthy church, teaching sound doctrine leads to fulfilling our Christian duty.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
For the complete sermon series, visit www.Go2Grace.org/Titus
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This sermon on Titus 1:10-16 discusses the risks posed by false teaching, as well as how to recognize and respond to false teachers.
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.For the complete sermon series, visit www.Go2Grace.org/Titus
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This is the second sermon in a series on the book of Titus, covering Titus 1:5-9:
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
For the complete sermon series, visit www.Go2Grace.org/Titus
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This is the first sermon in a series on the book of Titus, covering Titus 1:1-4:
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
For the complete sermon series, visit www.Go2Grace.org/Titus
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*What should we do when where we are is not where we expected or wanted to be?
How do we react when God has placed us in a situation that is very different than what we’d planned or hoped?*
What are we supposed to do when God’s timing is different than our own?
While these times can be discouraging, it is important that Christians to remember that no matter where God has brought us or how fast He brings us there, our task remains the same: to do the work of the Lord.
Listen to this sermon on Romans 15:22-29 as we examine the example of the apostle Paul as one who worked hard while waiting on the Lord.
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From managing conflict resolution in the workplace to navigating differences at home, many issues remain unaddressed and unresolved when you cannot speak clearly, candidly, and truthfully for fear of negative consequences.
Being able to speak with candor - or forthright honesty - is essential for building and maintaining effective leadership and healthy relationships.
On this episode we speak with Charles Causey about his new book Candor: The Secret to Succeeding at Tough Conversations.Listen in as we discuss how you can succeed in tough conversations through candor without being unloving or overbearing.
On this episode we'll discuss:
- What candor is and why it's important
- How timing, character, and love factor into our candid conversations
- Four keys for having tough conversations go well
- How to overcome enemies of candor
- Overcoming a fear of confrontation
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode39
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In 1871, Charles Spurgeon wrote to his wife, Susannah "My Own Dear one - None know how grateful I am to God for you. In all I have ever done for Him, you have a large share. For in making me so happy you have fitted me for service. Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more, and never less, for your sweet companionship. The Lord God Almighty bless you now and forever!"
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ray Rhodes, Jr. returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.
On this episode we'll discuss:
- How Charles and Susannah first met
- What their courtship looked like in Victorian England
- How Susannah adjusted to life with the famous preacher
- Susannah's contributions to Charles' ministry
- How Charles ministered to Susannah in their home
- The lasting lessons we can take from their marriage
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode38
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"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years.
But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
Merry Christmas, from ReasonableTheology.org
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Although online discussions about the King James Bible's place in the 21st century can often become heated, there is an important conversation to be had about how language changes and the role of modern translations.
In his book Authorized: The Use & Misuse of the King James Bible, author Mark Ward builds a case for the KJV translators' view that English Bible translations should be readable by what they called "the very vulgar"―and what we would call "the man on the street."
Listen as Mark Ward discusses why we should make good use of modern Bible translations without losing an appreciation for the good old King James.This was a fun and refreshing conversation about an often controversial topic, and I hope that you'll enjoy it as well! On this episode we discuss:
- The benefits of continuing to use the King James Bible
- Several challenges of using only the King James Bible
- The issues posed by dead words and "false friends" when reading the KJV
- Why modern translations are valuable and helpful
- Why none of us should be "one-translation-only."
- Misconceptions about Bible translation that fuel unnecessary controversy
- Suggestions for choosing which translation of Scripture is best for you
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode37
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Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Unfortunately, it’s far easier to grumble when things are hard. In fact, our guest considers thanksgiving to be a lost spiritual discipline. While thanksgiving is found throughout the Bible, all of us could use some help in cultivating this attitude in our daily lives.
Listen as we speak with recovering pessimist Dustin Crowe about how we can move from having a habit of grumbling to one of gratitude and thanksgiving – no matter our circumstances.
On this episode we discuss:
- Why it’s easy for even Christians to fall into a habit of grumbling
- The importance of thanksgiving in the Bible
- Four key elements of Biblical thanksgiving
- How having a spirit of gratitude helps us walk through hard times
- Practical steps we can take to become more thankful people
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode36
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On October 6 1536 William Tyndale was executed by being tied to a stake, strangled, and burned.
His crime? Translating the Bible into the English language. Listen to the fascinating story of this Protestant Reformer, Bible translator, and martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For more information, visit ReasonableTheology.org/episode35.
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The apostle Paul warned against the dangers of being led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ by those proclaiming another Jesus and another Gospel than that of Scripture. In many places, the New Testament tells believers to guard themselves against a false gospel.
While there have been many forms of false gospels over the ages, one of the most prevalent today comes in the form of "progressive Christianity."
What is progressive Christianity? In general, it is the view that Christianity itself is progressing and all historical truth claims are up for reinterpretation. The end result often has more in common with modern agnosticism than it does with historical Christianity.
Listen as Alisa Childers shares how progressive Christianity led to a crisis of faith and how God rescued her from believing a false gospel.
On this episode we discuss:
- What progressive Christianity is and why it is dangerous
- Alisa's story of being brought to a crisis of faith
- How apologetics helped her to overcome her doubts
- Why progressive Christianity is alluring for believers
- How our view of Scripture impacts how we respond to doubt
- Steps we can take to make us less susceptible to false gospels
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode34
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Commands to not worry or to not be anxious appear several times in the New Testament, and many believers find it a struggle to quit worrying.
This struggle is made more difficult when we fail to reflect on all that the Bible has to say about worry. Too often we try to fight worry by simply telling ourselves that worry is wrong. This isn’t likely to be helpful.
Don’t misunderstand. Worry is wrong. If it were not, we would not be commanded to not worry. However, repeating this fact like a mantra is not the medicine that Scripture prescribes to cure anxiety.
As recorded in Luke 12:22-31, Jesus reveals that we do not fight anxiety by telling ourselves that worry is wrong. We fight anxiety by reminding ourselves that God is good.
Listen as we talk about the 5 reasons Jesus gives to have confidence in God’s goodness.
For a transcript of this episode, visit: https://reasonabletheology.org/the-right-way-to-resist-worry/
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Jesus Christ's death on the cross provided for the forgiveness of our sins and our reconciliation with God. This reconciliation is known as atonement, and it is a central part of the Christian faith.
Even so, how Christ's death on the cross accomplished this has been debated for centuries. On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by William Lane Craig, world-renowned apologist and author to discuss his latest book Atonement and the Death of Christ.
Dr. Craig walks us through the history of the debate around the atonement and provides us with a framework for thinking through this important doctrine biblically.
On this episode we discuss:
- The meaning of the word atonement
- The Biblical texts in the Old and New Testaments that teach about atonement
- A number of theories on how Christ's death reconciled us to God
- Which theories fit with Scripture and which ones don't hold up
- The importance of penal substitutionary atonement
- What imputation is and why it is important for understanding how our sins are forgiven in Christ
- How having a full, multi-faceted understanding of the atonement positively impacts the believer
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode33
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Ephesians 5:25 tells us "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The command is clear, but carrying out our calling as husbands can be difficult.
As our guest writes:
Busy schedules, life’s demands, and our own remaining sin join forces and plot against our good intentions to love and serve our wives. We may even find ourselves engaged in many fruitful ministry endeavors while the noble calling of coming alongside our beloved brides goes by the wayside.
Listen as we speak with J. Aaron White about how husbands can shepherd their wives towards greater joy in Christ.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What Scripture teaches about how husbands are called to love their wives
- The duties that husbands have and what makes them difficult to uphold
- How men can work to become more selfless in their marriages
- Practical steps men can take to start leading their wives spiritually
- Ways that husbands can begin again in loving their lives as Christ loved the church
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode32
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"Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" This is how the apostle Paul responded to the idea that God's abundant grace might cause us to embrace sin rather than fight it.
In explaining why the Christian should not indulge in sin, the apostle expounds on the essential doctrine of our union with Christ. As we shall see in Romans 6:1-11, Paul explains that because Christ died for sin, we are to be dead to sin. Moreover, because we are made alive in Christ we able to live for Christ.
This sermon was preached by Clay Kraby at Grace Baptist Church in Grand Forks, ND.
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Romans6
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The apostle Paul wrote that "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). A few verses later he said, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
The Resurrection is the central truth claim of the Christian faith. Or, as our guest puts it, itis the bedrock of Christianity.
In The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, Dr. Justin Bass examines facts about Jesus' death and resurrection that even skeptical scholars agree with.
Listen as we discuss why the resurrection is the bedrock truth claim of the Christian faith and how we can present this truth to others - even skeptics.
On This Episode We'll Discuss:
- Why the resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity
- How the apostle Paul serves as a key witness
- Truth claims about Christianity that even skeptical scholars agree to
- The most helpful evidence for engaging others on the resurrection
- How the average Christian can be better prepared to defend key doctrines of the faith
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode31
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The Bible often uses metaphors of strenuous physical activity to describe the Christian life: running, racing, boxing, fighting, and other similar expressions. What makes these metaphors so applicable? Because just as with physical fitness our spiritual fitness takes time and concentrated effort to produce endurance.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast our guest is Pastor Isaac Adams. Isaac serves as a pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and he is the author of Training: How Do I Grow as a Christian?
Listen as we talk through the importance of spiritual disciplines in the Christian life, as well as the types of personal and public training that make us more spiritually fit. We'll also discuss tips for staying motivated and how we can help others in their Christian walk.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- The importance of spiritual disciplines
- Why physical training is so applicable to the Christian life
- The difference between personal training and public training, and why both involve other believers
- Advice for the new Christian who doesn't know where to start
- How older Christians can be helpful in the discipleship of others
See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode30
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Originally titled ‘Hymn for Easter Day,’ Charles Wesley published the well-loved anthem ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’ in 1739 – which was within the first year of his conversion. However, the original lines find their origin long before that. There are also a number of changes that have taken place since Wesley first penned this hymn.
Learn the story behind this beloved hymn on this bonus episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast.
Read the Original Lyrics to this Hymn
Purchase a vintage-style hymn page, ready to print and frame.
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As you are all aware, there has been much concern expressed in our country and around the world about the spread of coronavirus. We don't yet know how serious the impact is in the United States, but everyday life has already been disrupted for most people.
It is my hope that as you seek to be informed and responsible in your response to this situation that you will keep some important biblical principles in mind.
On This Episode We'll Discuss:
- What the coronavirus teaches us about the fall
- How this situation gives us opportunities to spread the gospel
- What the Christian response should be in uncertain times
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Corona
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Discussing your Christian convictions with others can seem like a daunting task - especially if the person you're talking to is skeptical or even hostile towards your views.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, apologist Greg Koukl shares a number of tactics you can use to confidently and comfortably discuss your beliefs with others. These methods allow you to keep the conversation going, avoid hostility, and point out flaws in a person’s thinking with grace and compassion.
Koukl is the head of the apologetics ministry Stand to Reason and is the author of many books, including Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions where he shares a number of methods to stay in the driver seat of any conversation.
Listen as we discuss tactics for maneuvering comfortably and confidently through challenging discussions about Jesus.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- The need for harvesters and gardeners in the Great Commission
- The power of questions in guiding our conversations
- How to expose faulty thinking without being aggressive
- What's new in the 10th Anniversary Edition of Tactics
- How to maintain an engaging, disarming conversation even if the other person becomes aggressive
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode29
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In summarizing the beliefs of Calvinism, writer and professor Dr. Jim Orrick writes, "First, a Calvinist believes that God always does whatever he pleases. Second, a Calvinist believes that God initiates, sustains, and completes the salvation of everyone who gets saved."
In his book Mere Calvinism, Orick provides an excellent introduction to the Doctrines of Grace, explains the biblical basis for the Five Points of Calvinism, and defends the doctrines of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints.
Listen as our guest Dr. Jim Orrick explains what Calvinism teaches and addresses objections to and misunderstandings of these important doctrines.
Whether you are a committed Calvinist, are uncertain about these doctrines, or unfamiliar with them you are sure to gain a lot from our interview with Dr. Orrick on the basics of Calvinism.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What the main beliefs of Calvinism are
- Which of the Doctrines of Grace are the most controversial
- How to respond to those who object to these doctrines
- Why God's sovereignty in salvation does not minimize evangelism
- How Calvinists can be more winsome in sharing their theological views
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode28
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On this Q&A episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we're tackling a listener question submitted by a young man named Kyler:
"My question is how to explain to somebody that God didn't have a creator without them questioning you, 'well who created God?'"
On this episode you'll hear an answer to the question "Who created God?" Hopefully, this will help you to think more biblically about how the Creator is distinct from His Creation, and how you be more confident in answering similar questions.
For a transcript of this episode and for additional resources, visit ReasonableTheology.org/episode27.
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If you’re like me, you resolve each December to read more books in the coming year. If you’re going to follow through, you need to have a plan in place for how you are going to read more books as well as a plan for which books you plan to read.
On this episode of the podcast, I share twelve of the books I’m looking forward to reading in 2020. Perhaps you’ll find some titles worth adding to your list for the year ahead.
For links to the books I share or to watch a video of this episode, visit ReasonableTheology.org/Episode26.
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We all love to be encouraged, and yet many of us fail to make regularly encouraging others a priority. If we were to grow in this area, we could have a tremendous impact in our families, communities, and churches.
Would you like to become a more encouraging person?
Listen as Pastor Mark Hallock discusses the importance of encouraging others and learn some practical steps we can take to become relentless encouragers.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- Why we need encouragers more than ever in our world
- What Scripture has to say about how we bless others with our words
- Common reasons we fail to regularly encourage others
- Ways we can misuse our words in discouraging and sinful ways
- Specific ways that we can be an encouragement to someone else
- How to receive encouragement and compliments well
- Practical tips for growing as an encourager
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode25
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The book of 2 Peter provides us with three distinguishing marks of false teachers to watch out for.Recently I discussed these marks with Bill Arnold during his radio program on Faith Radio. Listen in as we discuss how to recognize and avoid wolves in sheep's clothing.
Read an article on 3 Ways to Recognize a False TeacherCheck out Afternoons with Bill Arnold
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What are the Five Solas, and what do they have to do with Reformed Theology?
The “Five Solas” are Latin phrases that collectively served as foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a movement that began in the 1500’s and sought to “reform” the traditions and beliefs of Roman Catholicism.
The Five Solas identified the distinctive theological positions held by the reformers and continue to serve as distinguishing characteristics of Reformed Theology.
Listen and learn more about each of the Five Solas and what these doctrines teach about our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone and about our highest authority: Scripture alone.
Learn More & Find Additional Resources.
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In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul calls the believer to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” This is a command for every Christian, and it is vital that we take up this armor on a daily basis in order to live as soldiers of Christ.
As our guest Iaian Duguid points out, “the choice is not whether you will be a Christian soldier or a Christian civilian but whether you will be a prepared Christian soldier or an unprepared one.”
Listen as Dr. Duguid discusses why many Christians lose sight of the spiritual battle we’re in and how we can stand firm against the enemy by putting on the whole armor of God.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- Why Dr. Duguid wrote The Whole Armor of God
- The context of this passage in Ephesians 6
- What the armor of God is and why it is essential for every believer
- Why we do not need to be discouraged on the spiritual battlefield
- How the armor of God points us to Jesus Christ
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode24
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In his book Humble Calvinism, pastor and author J.A. Medders writes:
"Many of us who love to love the “doctrines of grace” have not grown in showing grace. We have not become more gracious, kind, tender, and compassionate. And that can only mean one thing: we actually don’t know the doctrines of grace. Sure, we know the points and can rehearse the arguments ...But an arrogant and argumentative Calvinist is just a Pharisee with a fresh coat of paint."
But it doesn't have to be this way. The term "humble Calvinism" should not be an oxymoron.
On this episode, we discuss why a right understanding of Calvinism should cause us to be gracious, loving, and humble towards others.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What Calvinism is and why a "humble Calvinist" seems like an oxymoron to many
- Why "cage-stage" Calvinism is such a prevalent issue
- Some keys to help us graciously hold to the Doctrines of Grace
- How we can be zealous for the truth and be humble and gracious towards others
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode23
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In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, America was in a state of shock - faced with the realities of evil, terrorism, tragedy, uncertainty, and the prospect of war.
America's preachers had the difficult task of comforting their congregations, speaking truth about God's sovereignty over all things, and instilling hope in the midst of a national crisis.
On this episode of the podcast, we will have a unique opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11th through a sermon preached on Sunday, September 16th.
This message from Alistair Begg is titled "The Day that Changed the Modern World," and the truths he brings from Scripture are relevant during any tragedy - both national and personal.
In this message, Pastor Begg reminds us that life is frail, death is certain, man is depraved, and grace is necessary.
For more preserved sermons from the days after 9/11, visit ReasonableTheology.org/911-sermons
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Pathfinders were small groups of specially trained paratroopers who jumped ahead of the rest of the force. Once on the ground, the job of the pathfinder was to mark the correct drop zone with signal beacons, flares, or specialized lanterns visible from the air.
These men would literally light the way, allowing pilots and paratroopers alike to see exactly where they needed to land.
In the midst of darkness and chaos, fear and danger, light provided a way for others to head in the right direction. The Christian is to be such a light, a spiritual pathfinder pointing others to Jesus Christ.
Read the article version of this bonus episode
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Romans 8:28 tells us that "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This is perhaps the most popular verse from the most popular chapter of the most popular book in the New Testament – and yet it is often misunderstood.
Unfortunately, what many people mean when they quote Romans 8:28 is a sort of “turn that frown upside down,” “When God closes a door He opens a window” mentality that ultimately proves to be very unhelpful.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, we will examine the context of Romans 8:28 in order to determine its meaning. As we do, we will see that most people do not use this verse to promise too much, but too little.
The point of Romans 8:28 is not that God is working out ‘all things’ to give you comfort in life, but that He is working out all things to bring you into conformity with Christ.
As we examine this verse, we will see that we can endure any trial with hope, patience, and even joy as we stand firm on the promise that “for those who love God all things work together for good.”
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode21
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Where can we turn when the dark clouds of pain, suffering, and loss roll into our lives? Even for believers, times of difficulty can bring discouragement and despair and it can be hard to know how to respond in faith in the midst of frustration or heartbreak.
Thankfully, the Bible gives us a clear means of dealing with our trials: the practice of lament. As our guest defines it, to lament is to turn to God in honest, desperate prayer, giving voice to the reality of our emotions—as intense and tumultuous as they may be. Ultimately, lament is an expression of faith in the God who hears our cries and responds with mercy and grace.
Our guest pastor Mark Vroegop draws on examples from the Bible and his own story of loss to walk us through steps of lament (Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust). Learn more about the importance of lament from the author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What lament is, and why it is so important to the Christian life
- What we gain from studying lament in Scripture
- How we can complain to God without sinning against Him
- How a proper view of sorrow and lament enriches our view of hope and grace
- The process of biblical lament: Turning to God, Bringing our Complaint, Asking Boldly, and Choosing to Trust
- Encouragement for the hurting Christian
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode20
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Children between 8 and 12 are at the critical age when they start to ask if Christianity is true. Additionally, our kids are being faced with challenges to their faith earlier than ever. How can we prepare them when they are young to enter into an increasingly secular world?
On this episode of the podcast we talk with apologist and former cold case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace about why and how we should introduce kids to the reasons for the claims of Christianity.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- What apologetics is and why its important
- How our guest used his detective skills to examine the claims of Christ
- Apologetics resources for training your kids how to think, not just what to think
- How children's faith questions compare to those from adults
- The unique challenges and pressures today's children and youth face
- Advice on how to instill a Christian worldview in our children
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode19
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Jonathan Edwards is regarded as many as the greatest mind America has ever produced, and he is held up as an excellent example of a pastor-theologian. Even so, many people's familiarity with Edwards does not extend beyond his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
On this episode, we speak with Dr. Jeremy Kimble about the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards and discuss what Christians can still learn from him today.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
- A biographical sketch of Edwards' life and ministry
- Why you need to read more than "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
- Edwards' key role in the First Great Awakening
- What Edwards was like as a pastor
- An overview of many of his major written works and where you should start
- What Jonathan Edwards' lasting legacy has been
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode18
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You are probably familiar with the writings of men like Luther, Spurgeon, Edwards, and other. But what about their sermons?
In many cases, these figures of church history were first and foremost pastors preaching to their congregations. We can learn more about these men, about God, and about ourselves from these sermons.
On this episode we'll speak with Troy Frasier, who has a podcast making it possible to listen to and benefit from sermons delivered long before the digital age.
On This Episode We'll Learn:
- How the Revived Thoughts podcast got started
- Why hearing an old sermon is different (and better) than reading one
- How historical context deepens our appreciation for old sermons
- What past preachers can teach us better than contemporary ones
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode17
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Do you have a stack of books waiting to be read? Struggling to cross items off of your "must read" list?
Thankfully, the solution is not to try to increase our reading speed. With these 4 simple methods you’ll be reading more books and finishing them faster.
Read the article version of this bonus episode
Old Books Every Christian Should ReadWhy You Need to Read ‘Knowing God’ by JI Packer
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It is no secret that young people raised in the church often leave when they get out of High School. As this trend has worsened, we are seeing an entire generation becoming disengaged from the church.
Many Christians see this trend and want to become better at presenting ancient truths to a new generation with unique challenges and obstacles. But how can we get through to "Generation Z" in our increasingly secular culture?
Listen as our guest Sean McDowell discusses how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can help the next generation understand and embrace a biblical worldview.
On This Episode We'll Learn:
- Why Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace wrote their new book So the Next Generation will Know
- What makes Generation Z unique
- Why young people often leave the church
- The three front line groups that can address this negative trend
- How parents, ministry leaders, and teachers can reach young people with the Gospel
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode16
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Every year around Easter there is a surge of skepticism about the existence of Jesus. Is it true that Jesus is just one of many gods said to have been born of a virgin, died, and resurrected?
Those who encounter this claim online or elsewhere may start to wonder about the truth of New Testament history. Is the account of Christ simply a retelling of "dying and rising" pagan gods? If Jesus' life does parallel other gods, does that mean Jesus is also a myth?
Listen as we consider the alleged parallels of Mithras, Dionysus, Osiris, and Horus.
Learn more about these supposed doppelganger deities at ReasonableTheology.org
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In this episode of the podcast we speak with Dave Jenkins, Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, about how Christians can navigate our increasingly digital lives. We'll talk about the benefits and pitfalls of the internet and discuss how believers can navigate their online life in a way that reflects their love for Jesus.
On This Episode We'll Learn:
- The unique benefits we have as believers in a digital era
- Recommended resources for your personal growth
- Pitfalls Christians need to be aware of online
- How to use social media for the glory of God
- Ways to use online tools for ministry without losing a focus on offline relationships
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode15
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The Bible has much to say about the value of friendship and throughout history Christians have attested to the importance of close friends for spiritual growth. However, creating and maintaining meaningful friendships has become difficult in our fast-paced, technology-saturated, and disconnected world.
So how can we recover the joy of friendship in our lives?
On this episode we'll speak with Drew Hunter, author of Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys.On This Episode We'll Learn:
- Why Drew decided to write a book on friendship
- The role of friendship in human flourishing
- The reasons behind our current 'friendship crisis'
- How busyness, technology, and mobility make friendship more difficult
- How the church can be a part of the solution
- Practical steps to making room for real friendships to develop in your life
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode14
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The Psalms have been referred to as the prayer book of the Bible. The New Testament is saturated with the Psalms, and they were constantly on the lips of our Savior.
Clearly, this book ought to feature largely in our devotional lives. But how are Christians to make use of the Psalms beyond reading them?
On this episode, our guest Benjamin Kandt discusses his love for the Psalms, the benefits of memorization, and how we can use the Psalms to enliven our prayer lives.
On This episode We'll Learn:
- The importance of the Psalms in Scripture and in the Christian life
- How our guest learned to love the Psalms
- Helpful tips for memorizing the Psalms from someone with a goal to memorize all 150
- Ways to use Psalms to enrich and enliven your prayer life
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode13
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All believers experience roadblocks in their prayer life at one time or another, and many Christians find growing in the area of prayer to be one of their greatest challenges.
On this episode, our guest Kevin Halloran discusses common roadblocks we face and provides us with five practical on-ramps to a joy-filled prayer life.
As Kevin says, "A more joyful prayer life may be closer than you realize, even if you have no idea how to get there. God wants us to enjoy Him in prayer, and sometimes all it takes is a small on-ramp of truth to take us to the highway of joyful prayer and deeper communion with God."
In This Episode We'll Learn:
- Common roadblocks that keep us from enjoying our prayer lives
- How overthinking, guilt, stress, and improper motives can hinder our desire to pray
- The value of community in developing the discipline of prayer
- Five on-ramps for getting your prayer life back on the right track
- Practical steps we can take to improve our joy in prayer
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode12
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Piecing together a chronology of the Apostle Paul’s life is not as easy as the maps in the back of your Bible might make it seem.
This brief outline of Paul’s life and missionary journeys helps us gain a better understanding of the apostle's history and a better appreciation for the importance of external evidence in developing a reliable chronology of Biblical events. Although it is within the New Testament, Acts can be considered an “external source” of sorts to Paul’s own epistles.
Finding corroboration between these two allow us to compare the accounts to extra-Biblical information such as the Gallio Inscription. It is clear that even without distinct chronological markers in Paul’s epistles we can determine with a high degree of confidence a chronology for the major events of Paul’s life and ministry.
Learn more and find additional resources at https://reasonabletheology.org/life-of-paul/
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God is not silent on the issue of abortion. On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we look at what God’s Word says about the value of human life and whether the unborn count as human life.
Along the way we will see that there is one central question in the abortion debate that must be addressed: Is the unborn a human person?
As apologist Greg Koukl rightly frames the issue: “If the unborn is not a human person, no justification for abortion is necessary. However, if the unborn is a human person, no justification for abortion is adequate.” In This Episode We'll Learn:
- That God is not silent on the sanctity of human life
- That God is not silent about the status of the unborn as human life
- How to use the SLED test to show someone that the unborn is a distinct, valuable, human person
- That God is not silent about the availability of forgiveness to those who have had or have supported abortion
- That God is not silent about the right Christian response to abortion
For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode11
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What are the Five Points of Calvinism and what do these doctrines teach us about salvation?
The Five Points of Calvinism are: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints.
You have likely come across the acrostic T.U.L.I.P. as a memory aid for these doctrinal positions. Let's go over each doctrine one at a time.
Learn more and find additional resources about the Doctrines of Grace here.
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In this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we tackle an important question:
"Why do Presbyterians baptize infants (paedobaptism) while Baptists only baptize professing believers (credobaptism)?"
Rather than present the arguments that each side give for their position, I want to help you understand the reasons behind the two positions.
As we'll see, baptism is not the central difference between Baptists and Presbyterians. Instead, the different conclusions reached on this issue are the result of different understandings of God’s covenants.
These denominations hold to their different views of baptism because they have come to different conclusions regarding the covenants of Scripture—specifically the Covenant of Grace and the New Covenant.
In this episode we’ll discuss:
- Why understanding the Covenant of Grace and the New Covenant is crucial for understanding the baptism debate
- How the Presbyterian view of these covenants lead to their views on baptizing believers and the infant children of believers
- How the Baptist view of these covenants lead them to baptize only professing believers
- Why comparing the Westminster Confession of Faith and the London Baptist Confession is useful in understanding the two positions
See the Show Notes for Additional Resources
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The Old Testament contains 39 books that are categorized as books of the Law, history, poetry, wisdom, and prophetical books.
Despite its diverse contents, it is much more than a simple anthology. It is tied together by a successive string of five major covenants that God made with His people.
Here is a quick look at the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant.
For a written version of this content, visit ReasonableTheology.org/5covenants
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Life-expectancy worldwide is twice what it was a hundred years ago. And because of modern medicine, many of us don’t often see death up close. That makes it easy to live as if death is someone else’s problem. It isn’t.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we sit down with Matthew McCullough, a pastor and author who recently published a book called Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope.When we ignore our own mortality, we lose out on much of what Scripture has for us to learn. As McCullough states, "When the reality of death is far from our minds, the promises of Jesus often seem detached from our lives."In this episode we'll discuss:
- The reason that death is, for many of us, like a foreign country
- Cultural changes that have occurred that allow us to 'forget' the reality of death
- The negative consequences of death becoming taboo
- What believers miss out on when they forget death
- The benefits of remembering our mortality (and why it's much more than carpe diem)
- How our view of death impacts how we respond to the promises of Christ
- Practical (and non-morbid!) steps we can take to remember death
For more helpful resources, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode9
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In every relationship conflict is bound to occur - and relationships within the church are no different. Whether your church is experiencing conflict now or is simply hoping to avoid it later, there are biblical keys to resolving church conflict and preserving unity.
Listen as our guest Pastor Curt Heffelfinger discusses how we can create a culture of peacemaking within our churches and how pastors, elders, and church members can work towards preserving unity within the church.
We'll discuss:
- The danger of disunity within the church body
- The importance of maintaining peace
- How we can cultivate a culture of peace within the church
- What church leaders can do
- What those in the congregation can do
- The benefits of being a church that guards and preserves church unity.
About Our Guest
Curt Heffelfinger has served in pastoral ministry for more than thirty years. He is the author of The Peacemaking Church: 8 Biblical Keys to Resolve Conflict and Preserve Unity. He and his wife, Jan, are the parents of six children and have nine grandchildren.
See the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode8
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Since we all have thoughts about God, we are all – to some extent – thinking theologically. As RC Sproul famously said, “The issue for Christians is not whether we are going to be theologians but whether we are going to be good theologians or bad ones.”
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, our guest Dr. Scott Swain provides guidance on how we can strive to be good theologians.
View the Show Notes for this episode
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Just because the Puritans didn't have Netflix doesn't mean they can't help us be discerning when it comes to the type of shows and movies we watch.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, your usual host Clay Kraby is actually the guest on another program. Listen as we talk about a popular article Clay wrote titled "Watching Netflix to the Glory of God: A Puritan’s Advice."
In this episode we'll learn how Puritan Richard Baxter's advice for choosing what to read can help guide our decisions for what to watch on Netflix, TV, and other sources of entertainment.
Read the Original Article Here
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On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we are joined by Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry to talk about how we can effectively witness to those in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Together with Sean McDowell, Eric has recently released a book titled Sharing the Good News with Mormons (see our review here) and in it they provide a variety of tactics and strategies to engage Mormons in Gospel conversations.
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Though relatively unknown, Charles Spurgeon's wife Susannah lived a remarkable life of love for her Lord, her church, and her husband. Listen as Ray Rhodes Jr. talks about Susannah's life with Charles, her contributions to his impressive ministry, and how she served the Lord greatly in spite of serious health issues.
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On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, we are joined by Dr. Greg Lanier. Dr. Lanier is the Assistant Professor of New Testament and Dean of Students at the Orlando campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. Listen as Dr. Lanier discusses why it is vital for believers to have a firm grasp of the Old Testament in order to better understand the New Testament.
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On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, we speak with Dr. Michael Allen about the doctrine of sanctification and discuss how the believer can be proactive in growing closer to Jesus Christ. Dr. Allen is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS-Orlando and has written a number of books, including one simply titled "Sanctification."
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Join Clay as we explore the all-important question, "What is the Gospel?" As believers, we want to understand the joy and fullness of our salvation, and we also want to be able to clearly articulate the Good News to others. In this first episode of the Reasonable Theology Podcast, Clay provides an example of how you might present our need for a Savior and make the case for why Jesus is the only way to be reconciled to God.
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