The Arena: Recent Episodes
Bryce Letkeman and Matt Martens
The Arena podcast aims to discuss and debate current events and issues through the lens of the Gospel with the goal being that our listeners will be challenged and edified.
On this LAST EPISODE of the season Matt, Joe, and Bryce take your questions and attempt to answer them. Thank you for tuning in for another wonderful year.
On today's episode of The Arena, Matt and Bryce tackle the misunderstanding of the trinity. What is modalism? Why is it a wrong understanding of God? How can we properly understand the trinity? It's a hard but necessary topic to wrestle with!
On today's episode of The Arena Matt, Joe, and Bryce explore the topic of Mormon and Jehovah's Witnesses. What do they believe? What should we do when the come to our door? What are a few Biblical texts that can help me?
On today's episode of The Arena podcast, Matt, Joe, and Bryce discuss the idea of a "megachurch." What constitutes a megachurch? How do you know if you are one? Is it wrong to have a large number of people coming every Sunday? These questions and more are discussed of this episode.
A little lighthearted episode coming your way. Does it matter what we wear to church? Are we dressing for others? Or are we dressing for the Lord? What if all we have is dirty and ragged, should I still come to church?
Today we release a heavy episode. Bill C9 is making it's way through parliament and if it passes (likely), discussing portions of the Bible from the pulpit, various ministries, and your own homes will be considered a crime punishable by imprisonment. Today's episode on The Arena is difficult, but necessary.
We are unashamedly complementarian the question we often receive is, 'does this apply to the political landscape or military as well?' Matt, Joe, and Bryce tackle this topic on today's episode of The Arena.
How do we understand Sabbath rest today? Do we have to take Sunday off and do no work? What if we have to work on Sunday? Wasn't Sabbath in the Old Testament Saturday? On today's episode of The Arena Matt, Joe, and Bryce wrestle through these questions.
Our nation was in shock as we watched a school shooting unfold in the province of British Columbia. Naturally, questions came quickly; "why does a loving God allow evil?" "Does God care?" "What's the purpose behind suffering?" Matt, Joe, and Bryce attempt to walk through these questions with biblical truth and gentleness.
Our culture loves death and M.A.i.D is another example of that. Matt and Richard take a look at this topic from a biblical perspective. This is a tough subject to tackle yet critical in our culture.
What is hell? Is it eternal conscience punishment or is it temporary? What is the biblical precedent? Matt, Bryce and Joe interact with a clip from Kirk Cameron as we seek to understand what the Bible says.
What is repentance? Is it necessary for salvation? Is it a one time thing and then never to be done again? This crucial doctrine is what Matt, Joe, and Bryce discuss on the first episode of 2026 on The Arena!
It's Christmas time, and with this season questions come regarding some traditions we embrace such as decorating a Christmas tree, Santa Claus and more. Join Matt, Joe, and Bryce on today's episode of The Arena where they discuss these questions with a Biblical lens.
On today's episode of The Arena Matt, Joe, and Bryce walk through the ethics of war. Is war always wicked? Is there war that Christians should be involved in?
One question many have wrestled with is, 'what happens to my infant child if they pass away?' This is a sensitive topic that has affected many people. Matt and Bryce unpack this question on today's episode of The Arena Podcast.
On today's episode we interview Jocelynn, who, in 2016 had an abortion. During this interview you will hear heartache and the redemptive work of a God who loves deeply.
It has been one month since the world watched as Charlie Kirk was assassinated. This has brought up a lot of anger, frustration, and sadness; also, hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. On today's episode Matt and Bryce share our thoughts on whether or not Charlie Kirk was a Christian martyr or not? Was his work honorable? Was he racist? All this on today's episode of The Arena.
On today's episode Matt, Bryce and Joe interact with a clip of Doug Wilson and his view on women voting. You will hear a clip from a CNN interview with Doug Wilson and a few of his fellow pastors.
Please note: there will be a large gap of silence before and after the video.
WELCOME BACK, to season 5 of The Arena Podcast. Matt, Joe and Bryce are excited to bring you another season. We've appreciated the feedback we've received, and thank you for your patience as we figure out our editing.
This season kickoff we are examining the relationship between the Church, the nation of Israel and what the future holds for these two. Has the church replaced Israel? Is there something for Israel yet to be fulfilled? This is what we tackle on this season opener of The Arena.
A Calvinist, Armenian and Provisionist walk into a bar... Yes, on today's episode we are going there. Matt, Bryce, and Joe walk through the three main views when it comes to how we are saved. It's important to note, these three views ought not fight with one another but wrestle with the text and enjoy faithful fellowship with one another.
Artificial Intelligence is something we use every day whether we realize it or not. Should we welcome it fully? Or should we be careful? Matt and Bryce discuss this on today's episode of The Arena.
Please note: This episode is unedited.
NOT EDITED Due to some technical issues, this episode is not edited. You will witness just how much our editor Jason Hofer does for us.
We all heard of Matt Walsh's "What is a woman." Well, we decided to take a look at what is biblical masculinity. What does a godly man look like in his family? his church? This and more on today's unedited episode of The Arena.
For decades Alpha has been a household name in churches across Canada. Is everything Alpha says and does good? Are there some concerns we should be aware of? This is the topic we discuss on today's episode of The Arena.
Canada has voted. The liberal party led by Prime Minister Mark Carney has been elected. If you check X or Facebook you will see a many calling for the province of Alberta to separate. Matt and Bryce (Joe is missing this episode) discuss the idea of Alberta separation. Is this a good idea? What are the pros? Cons? All this on today's episode of The Arena.
Today's episode is a difficult one. Many of us are acquainted with church hurt, whether it is from leadership or another member. How can we walk through this hurt in a biblical way? How can we honor the Lord while we navigate this hurt?
Covid, that was weird huh?! On today's episode Matt, Bryce and Joe take a look back on Covid. What did we learn about ourselves? Government? Ecclesiology? All this on today's episode of The Arena.
On this episode of The Arena Matt, Bryce and Joe discuss whether or not the practice of lent is biblical? Is this something we should practice? What exactly are we doing when we participate in lent?
Also, Bryce's math was way off, 'lent' doesn't start for another 2 weeks.
On this episode of The Arena Matt, Bryce, and Joe discuss how "in the know" Christians should be when it comes to politics! Can we bury our heads in the sand? Should I be so into politics that I don't watch anything else? How does Scripture help me think through this?
On today's episode Matt, Joe and Bryce dig deep on how believers should handle things like yoga, horoscopes, meditation and more. Should these things be practiced or avoided?
On today's episode of The Arena Podcast we tackle statements that Christians make. "Asking Jesus into your heart", "God helps those who help themselves" and more.
In light of the Steven Lawson fallout, Matt, Joe, and Bryce walk through how to handle the disappointment that comes when our heroes fall. Should we even have heroes?
In this episode we interview the Executive Director of Alberta Reformer, an initiative aimed at helping believers live out their faith in the public sphere.
Are there rewards in heaven? If so, does that mean we will be upset if we have less than others? How do we understand the idea of "storing up treasures in heaven?" Matt, Joe and Bryce discuss this on today's episode of The Arena!
On today's episode Matt, Joe and Bryce do their best to unpack the topic of Christian Nationalism. With a key election happening in less than a week we figured now would be a good time to work through this new(ish) topic.
On today's episode of The Arena Matt, Joe and Bryce discuss various translations. Are they all good? Which ones are preferred? Why are they different? Which one is our favorite?
On today's episode Matt, Joe and Bryce discuss evolution and creation. Is it important? What about theistic evolution? Is a literal 6-day creation viewpoint important? All this on today's episode of The Arena.
Welcome back to a new season of The Arena Podcast! Matt, Bryce, and Joe kickoff a new season by discussing the statement, "I can't forgive if they don't ask for forgiveness." What are the depths of forgiveness we must go to? How does reconciliation fit into this?
Bonus Episode Alert!! On this mid-summer episode Matt and Bryce tackle questions provided by kids in our AWANA ministry. A lot of thought provoking questions, specifically around Genesis 1-3!
On today's episode we interview soon to be Pastor Joe Johal. He has recently worked in secular the secular work force so we decided to interview him about how to live a holy life in the midst of a work place that continues to push against God's statutes.
On today's episode of The Arena Matt and Bryce tackle how to parent teens and the media they allow into their minds. What do we do with Taylor Swift? Hunger Games? Harry Potter? Are all these evil? We tackle this topic on today's episode of The Arena!
On today's episode Matt and Bryce discuss alternatives offered to those who cannot have biological children. IVF? Adoption? Surrogacy? What are the God honoring options available? Matt shares a bit of their own story in this journey as well.
On today's episode we look at 'heavenly tourism'. Have people gone to heaven and come back to tell us about it? How should we think through these things biblically?
Our apologies for the delay in getting this episode out. Today we've got our Question and Answer episode. On today's episode we answer questions about the 'Asbury Revival' - a year later; Rebaptism; the saying 'God Told Me' and Politics in the Pulpit.
On today's episode Matt & Bryce discuss the differences between Cessationism and Continuism. Are the sign gifts still being used in the church today or have those ceased?
On today's episode Matt and Bryce discuss the use of secular music in churches and Christian schools. Is this a good way to draw in the non-believers? Are we being 'all things to all people' by using this music? We discuss this topic on today's episode of The Arena!
On today's episode of The Arena, Matt and Bryce discuss the influence of Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Jordan Peterson on the church. Why is it that we're drawn to these voices? Is their influence perhaps negative? We discuss this and more on today's episode!
Today's episode Matt and Bryce tackle an issue that has risen to the top in Christianity and will be here to stay. Should we attend a same-sex wedding? Is our presence there affirmation and support of this 'marriage'? We tackle this issue on today's episode of The Arena.
On today's episode we discuss the idea of 'generational sin'. Are the struggles you have in your life with sin actually your fault or can you blame it on grandpa? Matt and Bryce discuss this on today's episode of The Arena.
Welcome to 2024! We are kicking off the new year with an episode on complementarity. What is complementarity? Is this something we should be concerned with? Can we agree to disagree on this subject? On today's episode Matt and Bryce interact with a sound clip from Rick Warren and Russel Moore.
One major question that comes up is 'does the Bible defend or encourage slavery'? On today's episode Matt and Bryce discuss what the Bible says about slavery.
This episode is a unique one as Matt and Bryce discuss the question, "should Christians enter into lawsuits"? Is there biblical precedent to enter into a lawsuit? Perhaps we should never consider it? All this and more as we enter into The Arena.
On this episode of The Arena we discuss how to think through the Climate Change "crisis".
On today's episode Matt and Bryce discuss the area of sins that we deem acceptable. What does the bible say on gluttony and other sins we don't talk about? Join us as we discuss these things in The Arena.
On this episode Matt and Bryce tackle the controversial task of transgenderism. When did this start? How do we think through this biblically? How does the gospel come to bear on this topic? All this is discussed on today's episode of The Arena.
On today's episode we discuss the importance of church history. Does it really matter? Why should we understand what happened hundreds of years ago? How does church history impact our lives today? All this and more as we step into the Arena.
Welcome back to season 3 of the Arena. Our kickoff episode for this season is on the rapture & tribulation. How do we think through what'll happen in the end? Is this a hill we should be dying on? All this is discussed on the season 3 kickoff episode.
This will be our final episode of the season. We want to thank you all for listening. On this final episode we are joined by guest Tim McAlpine to discuss tattoos; should Christians get them? What are some questions we should ask when considering them?
Over the past year we've had a number of questions asked that we haven't answered. On today's episode we tackle some of those key questions; things like fasting, cremation or burial, guns and more. Join us to have your questions answered on today's episode of The Arena!
On this episode we discuss the state of Canadian Bible Colleges with the Director of the Sunnybrae Campus of Millar College of the Bible. It's a great conversation, if you're thinking of Bible College - take a listen.
On today's episode Matt and Bryce discuss whether or not the death penalty is biblical. Believe it or not - we disagree on this, so buckle up as you step into this episode of The Arena.
On this episode, we take a look at Asbury, their history of revivals, and the events that led up to this most recent one.
On this episode we discuss the push of 'wokeness' not only in our culture but also sneaking into our churches. What is wokeness? How do we navigate this as the church? These and more are discussed on this episode.
On today's episode we have special guest Rob Cochrane as we discuss how to walk through suffering well.
On today's episode we tackle a difficult yet pertinent issue facing the church today. We will dig into a clip from a famous pastor to discuss how the Bible deals with homosexuality.
On today's episode we discuss divorce & remarriage. What does the Bible say specifically about remarriage? Is it allowed in all circumstances? Is it never allowed? These questions we will debate on today's episode of The Arena.
On today's episode of the Arena we discuss the question "should believers pursue politics as a career?"
On today's episode we ask the question, "should leaders who failed morally be restored to leadership" .
In today's episode we dive into the question of whether or not our days are truly numbered by God. If so, how does that affect our thoughts on abortion? suicide? murder etc...
On today's episode we tackle the "worship wars". Should we sing Bethel? Hillsong? Elevation Worship? What are the dangers of singing songs from these groups? We discuss these questions on this episode of "The Arena".
What do we with competitiveness and the Bible? Is it okay to be competitive? When does competitiveness become sinful? All this and more as we unpack today's episode of The Arena.
Deconstruction - the buzzword in Christianity today. What is deconstruction? Is it a biblical practice? What exactly are we doing when we say deconstructing? These are the things we're tackling on this episode of The Arena!
On this episode we work through some of the concerns we have with publications like The Gospel Coalition & Christianity Today. Are these concerns warranted? What is the history behind these publications? These and more are discussed with our guest Clint Humfrey!
On today's episode, we tackle what it means that God is Sovereign. More specifically, how does God's Sovereignty fit into everyday decisions? What about major global events like war? Or natural disasters? These are the things we discuss today on The Arena.
We open season 2 with an in depth look at the newly appointed Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre. Is this good for Canada? Was he the best choice? These and more are discussed. Welcome back to The Arena
On this, our final episode of the season, we take a look at the popular show "The Chosen". Is it worth watching? What should we be aware of? How does this affect our view of Christ? All of these questions will be talked about in today's episode - thank you for listening to our first season!
On this episode we discuss the topic of abortion. With the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade we felt it pertinent to walk through the history of abortion and where we are today - specifically in Canada.
On this episode of The Arena, we discuss one of the elephants in the room; should parents home school or public school their children. We also have a special guest on this episode - Vince Fehr, welcome to The Arena
On this episode we will discuss the Hall of Fame. Who should be in? Who shouldn't be in? What is the criteria? Are we elevating athletes? What about the Hall of Faith? What is the believers goal in this life? All of this - plus we have a special guest!
WARNING This episode does contain sexual content as we are discussing the questions of morality being taught in schools. We will be reading directly from school documents which are troublesome - how should believers respond to this?
Welcome back to the Arena. On today's episode we tackle the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Television. Is there anything good? What's the bad and ugly? Do the Scriptures help us understand how we ought to deal with TV?
In this episode Matt and Bryce discuss the idea of "Christian unity". Can we link arms under the banner of the Gospel with those who don't have a biblical understanding of justification? What about bethel or hillsong?
Welcome to our first episode. On this episode we answer the question, "when should a person leave a church."