Live from the Pulpit: Recent Episodes
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Episode 472: Over the weekend on Saturday (7/13) there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump while he gave a speech during a rally in Pennsylvania. Since then, dozens of just plain bad readings and interpretations of the Bible have flooded social media. In this episode, I takedown some of the more prominent and egregious applications of the Bible to the event. Then, I give an account of God’s involvement in the whole ordeal based on Scripture.
Episode 471: Via a Twitter/X interaction I ran across Dr. Michael Heiser’s series of blog articles on Romans 5.12. The question Heiser believes those who affirm Original Sin cannot answer is “How is Jesus, being a Son of Adam, exempted from Original Sin?” This question is not new. Dr. Zacharias Ursinus nearly 500 years ago provided an explanation in his “Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism” under his exposition of Question 35. Tune in as I interact with both Heiser & Ursinus.
Some Brief Thoughts on “Sin Nature” by Heiser
Back to Romans 5.12 where Heiser fleshes out his question further
Commentary on Heidelberg Catechism by Ursinus (PDF)
Episode 470: Start of the show with a review of part of Dr. Rex Turner, Sr.’s, Biblical Theology. His definition of Total Depravity is mere tautology. Thus, we look at Berkhof’s Systematic Theology for a more robust appreciation of the doctrine. Finally, land with Dr. Michael Heiser’s comments on Romans 5.12, which is part of the debate, but is not the whole debate.
Michael Heiser on Romans 5.12
Episode 469: A very fast walkthrough of the progressive Christian worldview, especially as it pertains to their answer to “What is the Bible?” Then, brief explanation of how certain verses get reinterpreted within that worldview. Identifying fallacies within progressive reading of the Bible (the claim the word “heresy” is not in the Bible). Finally, takedown of the “Six Verses for Pride Month” meme from Our Bible app demonstrating their error.
Episode 468: Once more we turn out attention to the enigmatic text 1 Peter 3.18b-19 with an eye toward 4.6. I challenge the traditional view, offering a more consistent and coherent understanding of this tough text. Christ is risen, Christ is Lord, the angelic powers are subjected to Him, and this is good news for the church!
Episode 467: 1 Peter 3.18b-19 can be an enigmatic mystery. The traditional view sees Jesus going to the hadean realm and preaching the gospel to dead people for a posthumous opportunity at salvation. In this episode, I cut through the fog, approaching the text linguistically and exegetically for something a bit more coherent and consistent.
Episode 466: I continue to explore the development of the doctrine of election within the Restoration Movement by working through Walter Scott’s essays on election published in the Millennial Harbinger in 1829. Tune in as I takedown the arguments.
Episode 465: As mentioned in the previous episode, development must have taken place with Alexander Campbell concerning the doctrine of election. Perusing the archives of the Millennial Harbinger, I found four (4) articles on the subject of election. However, they were not written by Campbell, but by Walter Scott, his right hand man. Nevertheless, Campbell & Scott were sympatico and Scott elucidated the doctrine of election as understood by the Restoration Movement in the late-1820s. After a brief recap of Campbell’s 1817 “Views” essay, I begin working through Scott’s essays on election.
Episode 464: In 1817 Alexander Campbell wrote a circular letter for the churches within the Red Stone Baptist Association. Surprisingly, it contains a high view of divine sovereignty in election and reprobation. Also, there is a denial of Arminianism, as well as an implied agreement with John Calvin. Tune in as I read from this letter and get a sense of Campbell’s view on these biblical doctrines.
Read Campbell’s Letter Here
Episode 463: Ex-Christian Jim Palmer (not the baseball player) makes noise on social media. A couple of his lists came across my radar recently (14 Ways Christian Jesus Wrong, 15 Things the Misguided Religious Establishment Does Not Want You to Know). First, I demonstrate what is wrong with the one. Then, I demonstrate how he comes to the conclusions he does in that list. Finally, I expose the fundamental errors of deconversion through deconstruction as it relates to the Bible.
Episode 462: I review Tracy Dugger’s article for Seeking the Old Paths, “Free-Will According to Calvinism.” I was hopeful for a definition (finally) of “free-will” within the framework of churches of Christ. Unfortunately, this article disappoints in several ways. Tune in as I work through the assumptions and shortcomings of this article while also providing an (Edwardsian) accounting of the will.
Episode 461: Alistair Begg has come under fire in recent days because of comments he made wherein he advised a grandmother to attend her grandchild’s wedding to a transgender person. Naturally, this rankled the feathers of not a few Christians (which is good). In this episode, I give my take on Begg’s comments and review some of his remarks in response to his critics.
Episode 460: I continue to breakdown the Psalms of Solomon, unpacking what is in them. This episodes looks specifically at chs. 9-18 before concluding with comparison/contrast between the message of these psalms and the New Testament. What, if anything, do these 1st century B.C. poetic works have to do with the NT? Tune in as I conclude my research into the Psalms of Solomon.
Episode 459: The last script I was working on for the SwordPlay podcast was on the Psalms of Solomon, a collection of 18 poetic works sometimes found in Septuagint translations. What are these psalms? What is contained in them? Why were they “banned from the Bible”? In this episode, I begin to eliminate the mystique surrounding these psalms, explaining what they are, where they came from, and what is in them. They are not nearly as sensation as they might be made out to be.
Episode 447: I continue to work my way through Bro. T. W. Brents book The Gospel Plan of Salvation, which would be better named Polemics Against Calvinism. In this episode, I look at Brents explanation (eisegesis!) of Ephesians 1.3ff and his pained attempt to force the personal pronouns “us” and “we” mean other than the immediate requires. It is a display of opposition “exegesis,” i.e., when you interpret Scripture in any other way than your opponent does.
Episode 447: Trey Fisher from the Parish Reformed and Aaron Gallagher from the Gospel Broadcasting Network had a debate a couple months. During the debate, Gallagher flubbed by claiming that the French reformer John Calvin wrote the Canons of Dort, a 17th century Dutch production in response to the Arminians. I briefly discuss this. Then, […]
Episode 445: I continue my take down of the late brother Cotham’s article “The New Birth #3” from this month’s issue of “Seeking the Old Paths.” We also show how Cotham revives an illustration used by Alexander Campbell in his debate with Nathan Rice and how Rice improved and answered the illustration with his own. […]
Episode 445: Deconstruction aims to question fundamental assumptions about truth (and other things). A couple examples popped up this week of deconstruction. First, Brian Zahnd took to Twitter/X to have an imaginary conversation about sin which I breakdown. Then, worked through a TikTok clip from a pastor of a church in Florida, Joe Smith, and […]
Episode 444: The latest issue of “Seeking the Old Paths” hit my mailbox earlier this week. The cover article, “The New Birth #3,” caught my eye. Tune in as I take down this article’s deficient understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion or regeneration.
Episode 443: Abigail Shrier wrote the book Irreversible Damage in 2020. In it she documents her research into the transgender/gender dysphoria phenomenon. In this episode of the podcast, I explore aspects of Shrier’s book as it pertains the present cultural moment, including perhaps the most disturbing point in the book tucked away in footnotes (p.246): […]
Episode 442: I conclude my excursion into the weird by demonstrating the error of those who appeal to the book of Ezekiel for proof from Scripture for aliens, then tackle the C. S. Lewis article I mentioned in the previous episode, and ended with a run through of the various similarities between the accounts of […]
Episode 441: Recently there has been an avalanche of information related to extraterrestrials and UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) both in the news and on popular television shows. Why the inundation with information about alien tech and sightings of otherworldly craft? Tune in as I work through what is going on & how to think about […]
Episode 440: It has been nearly a decade since it happened, but I was written up by a divisive preacher in a church of Christ publication. I’ve never talked about it…until now. The controversy centered on an illustration I used to illustrate a sub-point of a major point toward the end of the last of three sermons I preached in October 2013. Tune in as I address the circumstances leading up to the publication of the article as well as the content of the article.
Episode 439: Tim Keller, famed pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and best-selling author, died today at the age of 72. In this episode I remember him by exploring the books he wrote that I read, my favorite sermon from Keller, and my differences with him, or things I disagreed with him on. Leave a comment about what you remember about him.
Episode 438: Two-for-Tuesday! I once again take up brother Wayne Jackson’s article “John Calvin and Grace” from his publication Christian Courier and read what Calvin on each verse Jackson cites in a single paragraph – John 3.16, 1 Timothy 2.4, 2 Peter 3.9, 1 John 2.2. Since Calvin was mentioned but none of his work quoted or dealt with, I thought it fair if Calvin got a fair hearing. We have got to do better with our scholastic endeavors!
Wayne Jackson’s article: https://christiancourier.com/articles/john-calvin-and-grace
Episode 437: The late brother Wayne Jackson was a prolific writer, both of books and for his publication Christian Courier. One of his articles, “John Calvin and Grace,” came across my radar providentially in recent days. However, I was disappointed with the level of engagement with Calvin’s actual writings and arguments. In this episode, I explore the sections in Calvin’s writings which should have been addressed, including from Calvin’s Institutes, his commentary on Titus 2.11, and identifying the distinctions Calvin made concerning God’s grace.
Brother Jackson’s article: https://christiancourier.com/articles/john-calvin-and-grace
Episode 436: I have been waiting for a church of Christ representative to take up the challenge of responding to a Reformed representative on the doctrines of grace. So I was excited when I saw that Aaron Gallagher from the Gospel Broadcasting Network and Trey Fisher from the Parish Reformed were having public discussions/debates first on baptism (4 discussions/debates) and now on Total Depravity. Unfortunately, for Fisher, Gallaher rag-dolled him for reasons I explain in the lead-up of today’s program. But then I put myself in Fisher’s shoes and offer my own opening statement followed by a couple of answers to a couple questions Gallaher posed to Fisher. Why is it that the church of Christ preacher, yours truly, is able to offer a better opening statement & more cogent answers to the questions posed than the Reformed guy? Tune in as I offer my review of the debate.
Total Depravity/Are babies born innocent? Public Discussion/Debate with Trey Fisher & Aaron Gallagher
Episode 435: Mrs. Perez stops by the LFTP studio to listen and react to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus song “A Message from the Gay Community.” Her reaction is not what you expect. Together we discuss the unmasking of the gay (& transgender) agenda as a religious cult bent on, in their own words, “converting” the children. [Disclaimer: Use of the SFGMC song “A Message from the Gay Community” is fair use for critique & instructional purposes]
Episode 434: Gay theologian, progressive Christian, & heretic Brandan Robertson has once more provided us with a shockingly bad example of exegesis. His latest example is to say that the Greek word for “repent” in the New Testament is actually a compound word meaning “expand your mind.” I breakdown the several and various ways that Robertson’s argument fails linguistically, exegetically, and biblically.
Episode 433: A 28 year-old woman opened fire at a school in Nashville earlier this week. In this episode, I unpack the awful truth behind the shooting, a whole spiritual reality involved in this tragic event which left six dead. Worldviews have consequences, and we witnessed the consequences of the worldview of the seed of the serpent.
Episode 432: An episode about unbelievers who say the quiet part out loud. Richard Dawkins affirms only two sexes – male and female. Greta Thunberg is awarded an honorary doctorate in theology from the University of Helsinki. These two events help us think through the nature of facts. What are facts? We explore the common ground everyone (except for the extreme fringe) would agree upon before pulling the carpet out from under the unbeliever to demonstrate their feet are firmly planted in mid-air when they claim to know facts.
Climate Change – Episode 279
Global Warming – Episode 127
Episode 431: Liberal/Progressive theologians reinterpret the cross of Christ in a variety of ways. On this episode of the podcast, I tackle two primary ways liberal theologians distort the meaning of the cross of Christ: claiming the cross is “cosmic child abuse” and claiming “there is nothing divine in the blood of the cross.” Then, utilizing John R. W. Stott’s work, I explain the centrality of the cross to the life and message of Christ and why it was necessary for the Son of God to go to the cross.
Episode 430: Andy Stanley has been the focus of controversy for several years due to his evolving views of Scripture. Recently, a clip from one of his sermons landed on Twitter and has sparked off a new wave of controversy. On this episode I play the clip and respond to it from the Scriptures (much to Stanley’s chagrin) in order to demonstrate the erroneous position he has assumed. Follow along in Acts 2, 17, & 1 Corinthians 15.
Episode 429: In a recent debate, a progressive Christian made the assertion that Jewish rabbis identified six different genders. In this episode I explore this claim by going to the Mishnah Bikkurim 4 to see what it says and whether or not this uninspired collection of rabbinic tradition actually affirms six genders. Then, I explore the unfortunate reality of chromosomal abnormalities which are not different genders but genetic disorders which numerous health problems. Finally, I take down the simply faulty reading of the Hebrew text by rabbis of Genesis 30.21 which they appeal to support their claim that Dinah was a transwoman.
For this article I am indebted to Dr. Michael Brown and his article he wrote for the Daily Wire: https://www.dailywire.com/news/does-the-talmud-teach-that-abraham-and-sarah-were-non-binary
Episode 428: Andy Stanley is the most recent example of the downgrade of Scripture with his insistence upon the resurrection above the Bible and claiming “the Bible says” is not an adequate answer in modern culture. But it is becoming a common occurrence for someone to say something like, “The Word of God is Jesus, not the Bible.” Or “the Bible never promised that the Bible was coming.” These & other claims are exposed in this episode as we take a deep dive into 2 Timothy 3.15-4.2, especially focusing on the phrase, “All Scripture is God-breathed” in verse 16.
Episode 427: “Could Jesus have sinned?” Most people assume that since Jesus was tempted, and for a temptation to be a true temptation it must be possible for the person tempted to sin, that “Yes, Jesus could have sinned.” In this episode, we cut this assumption out at the knees theologically and Christologically by situating divine impeccability, the doctrine that God is unable to sin, within the person of Christ, He being fully human and fully divine. Just in time for Epiphany!
Episode 426: The conclusion of the study where we explore the causes, both anthropological & theological, of unbelief. After a quick run through the final reason given by Wilbur Smith in chapter 3 of Therefore Stand, I turn to review & advance the reasons Jesus gives for people’s unbelief. I offer critique of a couple popular commentaries within the churches of Christ before wrapping everything up. A lot of ground covered in 30 minutes!
Episode 425: Why is it that some people believe but others do not? I pick up Wilbur Smith’s chapter “Some Reasons for the Unbelief of Men and Their Antagonism Toward God” from Therefore Stand, a prescient chapter which could have been written yesterday though it was written 80 years ago. Then, we discuss the theological […]
Episode 424: Propositions 1 and 28 passed in California last week. The former amended the constitution to protect abortion. The latter provides funding for K-12 art education. In this episode, I expose the gross inconsistency of these seemingly diametrically opposed propositions which is a reflection of the noetic effects of sin on fallen humanity. Yet […]
Episode 423: Why is it that some people believe but others do not? I take a look at Wilbur M. Smith’s chapter “Some Reasons for the Unbelief of Men and Their Antagonism to God” from Therefore Stand which, while written nearly 80 years ago may as well have been written yesterday, outlines several causes of […]
Episode 422: Following Budzisewski in The Revenge of Conscience, I continue to give examples and explain the function of guilt, guilty feelings, and guilty knowledge at an individual level at at a societal level, even impacting the zeitgeist. These include gender, sexuality, marriage, and more. Purchase your own copy of The Revenge of Conscience here
Episode 421: I walk through Romans 1.18ff in order to demonstrate the offended conscience and how fallen humans in rebellion do not get better but double down on their sin. Following Budzisewski in The Revenge of Conscience, I continue to give examples and explain the function of guilt, guilty feelings, and guilty knowledge at an […]
Episode 420: God has built into every human a mechanism whereby behavior is deemed moral or immoral. Such moral judgment, first, is rooted in natural law, i.e., what we cannot not know since it is, at some level, known by everyone, and second, functions as a moral common sense at both a societal level as […]
Episode 419: The epic conclusion of my takedown of Universalism wherein I demonstrate that Universalism is really a philosophy in search of a biblical text. Its reading of Scripture is informed not only with a faulty hermeneutic (Scripture read through the lens of philosophy), but it’s very view of Scripture is itself erroneous. Finally, what […]
Episode 418: I continue my takedown of Universalism by walking through the proof-texts offered in favor of the doctrine & demonstrating exegetically why their conclusions are unsubstantiated. Romans 11.32; 1 Corinthians 15.22, 28; Philippians 2.10-11; 2 Corinthians 5.19; Colossians 1.20; & Ephesians 1.10 are all examined within their context. Close reading of each of these […]
Episode 417: What in the world is Universalism and why would anyone be opposed to it? I breakdown what Universalism before tackling it from a biblical perspective. I approach first on a macro scale demonstrating why Universalism is inconsistent with the Scriptures as a whole. Then, I begin dealing with Universalist proof-texts: Acts 3.21 & […]
Episode 416: Recently, an article was published concerning “How We Got the Bible.” Having done some research on the subject, I decided to respond to the claims being made in that article. I start out with a run through 2 Timothy 3.16 for orientation. Then, I tackle the articles assertions paragraph. As will become evident, […]
Episode 415: Everybody’s favorite progressive theologian has written an article (see below) detailing how to read the Bible so that those practicing homosexual behavior are to be welcomed as faithful Christians. This reminded me of Beth Moore “conversion” a few years back (also see below). In this episode, I explore Brueggemann’s new hermeneutic and demonstrate […]
Student loan debt “forgiveness,” so-called, has become a point of contention among Christians. There are even those who want to say that Christians who do not endorse and support student loan debt “forgiveness” “haven’t a clue what following Jesus is about.” I take this view to task and offer an overall critique of student loan […]
Episode 413: I take the recent statement, or lack thereof, of a California state congressman to task. His contention is that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality; I thoroughly refute his erroneous assertion. Then, we expose how the mask has come off and demonstrate from the comments of a confused young man that those who […]
Episode 412: Took time to provide an account of the nature of the will, both human will and God’s will. Broke down an Edwardsian model of thew will: nature –> desire –> will. More on divine foreknowledge as it relates to God’s power in relation to the created order. Defined will as “the mind choosing,” […]
Episode 411: In this episode I give you the 411 (information) on what I have been up for the past four years. Topics include working on the SwordPlay podcast (search wherever you listen to podcasts), working toward & completing my Master of Divinity in Theology, & navigating a global pandemic with the church I serve.
Episode 410: Any model of divine foreknowledge must flow consistently through Christ & the cross. In this episode, I unpack my critique of how Greg Boyd, from an open theist perspective, explains Acts 4.27-28 and argue in favor of God’s exhaustive providence, especially pertaining to the crucifixion of Christ. Then, we’ll take a peek at […]
Episode 409: After a brief review of the positions & how they would answer the question, “Did God know about COVID-19 before it existed?” I unpack where I land with my own answer. Plus, interaction with open theism on Acts 4.27-28.
Episode 408: Did God know about COVID-19 before it existed? How does divine foreknowledge interact with global pandemic? Tune in to this episode as I begin to breakdown from the Bible the nature of God’s knowledge & how this relates to divine foreknowledge. Then, a brief excursus on the nature of the will which is […]
Episode 407: If a death row inmate’s death even hints at being the tiniest bit painful – LAWSUIT! Contrast this with Jesus who endures the worst imaginable suffering and death. So how is there victory in the death of Jesus? Tune in as I walk through the trauma & torture of the Son of God […]
Episode 406: When it comes to pain, our culture is somewhat paradoxical: on the one hand, we will endure momentary pain for beauty (e.g. plucking eyebrows); on the other hand, we question why there is pain & suffering in the world. Can beauty come out of the ugliness of pain? Even self-inflicted pain for cultural […]
Episode 405: Have you heard about the genocide taking place in Myannmar? The government is systematically killing the Royinga Muslims in that country. So where is God in that mess? What could possibly be the reason for the awful suffering happening there? Tune in as I tackle a very tough subject. Today in Church History: Charles […]
Episode 404: Every major world religion must deal with the problem of pain & suffering & how they deal with it is a reflection of their theology. So what does Christianity offer which is distinctive & unique from other world religions? Tune in as I explore how the Christian God is neither disinterested in nor […]
Episode 403: Boko Haram, ISIS, the government of Myanmar…all these terrorist organizations are guilty of unspeakable evil. How should Christians pray for these groups – both collectively & individually? What specifically should we pray? Are there any examples in the Bible of prayers made for oppressors? The Psalms of imprecation offer us examples & language […]
Episode 402: There are always those who run toward the danger when an accident or disaster happens. These are the helpers. But where is God when calamity strikes? Tune in as I show that God is one who runs into the chaos to be present as the Helper. Today in Church History: Constantin Tischendorf was […]
Episode 401: “If only God spoke today…” The God most people want is a God who is vocal, speaking often directly to them. What we get instead is silence, especially when we are hurting & suffering. Interestingly, the God most people want today is the God we see in the Old Testament. Tune in as […]
Episode 400: Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Twenty 1st graders & 6 adults were shot dead by a deranged young man who took his own life. What good could possibly come from such terrible evil? Tune in as I walk through a familiar story from a unique angle […]
https://livefromthepulpit.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/miracle-22-the-2nd-miraculous-catch.mp3 Episode 399: It is similar but different. John 21 is another instance where Jesus helps His disciples catch a mess of fish. What is the significance of another miraculous catch of fish? Tune in as I walk through John 21 backwards to see how important this miracle & the events surrounding it are.
Today in Church History: St. Nicholas died (343) & Thomas Aquinas has a vision (1273)
Question of the Day: My children were raised in church, but have turned away from their faith and deny Christ. What can I do? What shouldn’t I do?
https://livefromthepulpit.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/miracle-21-the-resurrection.mp3 Episode 398: It is the miracle upon which Christianity stands or falls – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So many try to deny it, even some who claim to be Christians. Nevertheless, the Bible says the tomb was open, empty, & His grave clothes lying there without His body. Tune in as I take look at the most important miracle of Jesus.
Today in Church History: Spurgeon almost quit (1856)
Question of the Day: If a person denounces Jesus, can they be saved?