Established in The Truth: Recent Episodes
Jake
This is a podcast about spiritual formation, theological topics and life application in light of the Gospel and God's Word. Our motto is: Be Biblically Sound. Be Practical. Be Transformed. Taking the Apostle Peter's exhortation from 2 Peter 1:12, “Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have...”, Christians have been established in the truth. Now we seek to supplement our faith with the qualities that, in increasing measure, keep us from being ineffective in our knowing Jesus (see verses 5-8).
Striving For Unity, Holding Your Views: Women in Ministry
Episode Description
In this episode, we dive into one of the most debated topics in church leadership: women in ministry. We unpack the two main positions: complementarianism and egalitarianism, and explore what Scripture says about the woman who impacted the world with their ministry and what it teaches about women in leadership roles.
We study prominent women in the Bible like Deborah, Phoebe, Junia, Priscilla, and Lydia among others and how each side interprets their roles. Were some of these women exceptions? Do they give us examples of women leading with authority? How does this inform our fellowship with others who hold different views?
Where do we land? Holding our convictions while loving those who disagree, we look to the Word for how to understand this topic. Let's see how unity in Christ is not just possible, but compelled by the Gospel and furthers the Great Commission.
Expanded Notes
I forgot to mention Galatians 3:28 from the Egalitarian position. Galatians 3:28: Egalitarians say no distinction between male and female, therefore no roles. Complementarians say it is spiritual truth in Christ, not church leadership or home roles.
Key Passages & References:
- 1 Timothy 2:11-15 — central text in the leadership debate
- Romans 16 — Phoebe and Junia
- Judges 4 — Deborah
- Acts 16 — Lydia
- Gotquestions on egalitarianism
- The Danvers Statement
- Wayne Grudem on Healthy Complementarianism
Why This Matters
Understanding these debates equips believers to engage with conviction and love. Scripture is the foundation for our theology, and historical context and church tradition provides necessary interpretive nuance. This episode is for those who want to hold their view while pursuing unity in the body of Christ.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Brothers and sisters on both sides love Jesus, love His Word and make disciples.
Both sides want to take Scripture seriously.
In conversations:
- Lead with the Gospel
- Listen well
- Learn the other side
What's your favorite Bible verse?
We hope this episode helps to equip both your view, and how you serve the Lord with it.
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
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Listen to the end for the call that matters most...
Grab your coffee, open your Bible, and join the discussion as we strive for unity without sacrificing truth.
Episode Title:Calvinism vs. Arminianism
Series: Striving for Unity, Holding Your Views
In this episode, we step into one of the most defining conversations in Christian theology: Calvinism and Arminianism. We’re exploring how regardless of our views, we can navigate this conversation with both conviction and grace.
You’ll hear a simple breakdown of each perspective: Calvinism’s focus on God’s sovereignty and grace, and Arminianism’s emphasis on human responsibility and choice. We’ll look briefly at their historical roots in John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius, and how they each approach key passages like Romans 9 and Philippians 2:12.
But this isn’t just about doctrine. It’s about discipleship, the Great Commission and the Kingdom of God. How can we seek understanding, listen well, and love others even when we disagree? What does humility look like when the topic is complex and decidedly personal?
We’ll close by remembering that while believers may differ on how God’s saving work unfolds, we share the same Gospel: salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. We are living for the same God, and the same Gospel.
These debates matter, but they’re secondary to the greater call; to love God, love others, and live out the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:20.
Let’s walk through this conversation with humility and a thirst for the glory of God and His righteousness.
Quick Links:
Calvinism 5 Points and Arminianism Explained
My View
Why We Do Bible Study On Established In The Truth
How Does The Gospel Compel Us To Love?
Calvinism Resources:
Desiring God on Calvinism Calvinism DEEP DIVE
TULIP by Reformation Bible College
Arminianism Resources
Got Questions on Arminianism Got Questions on Prevenient Grace
A Look At The Original View
Understanding Both Sides
Easy Side By S
What's your favorite Bible verse?
We hope this episode helps to equip both your view, and how you serve the Lord with it.
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
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Striving for Unity, Holding Your Views: Baptism
Episode Description
In this episode, we explore how Christians can hold differing views on baptism without compromising unity in the Gospel. We tackle the two main approaches: infant baptism and believer’s baptism.
We'll look into Acts and see how each side understands the 16th chapter on the household baptism. Some see infants in this text because of first-century family structures and covenant promises, while others understand the household as consisting of those capable of faith.
Where do we land? How do we have boldness in conviction and yet love each other our in relationships? The Church is united by grace through faith in Christ alone. Let's dive into how we can strive for unity, and hold our view, while we seek first the Kingdom of God.
Optional Additions in Show Notes:
- References: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–41; Acts 16:15, 33, 34; Romans 5:1; Eph 2:8
- R.C. Sprould on Baptismal Regeneration
- Gotquestions.org on bapstismal regeneration and answer on 1 Peter
What's your favorite Bible verse?
We hope this episode helps to equip both your view, and how you serve the Lord with it.
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
Tell us what your view is! Spiritual Gift Poll for this episode
1. Welcome
- Updates and shout outs! (Thank you for your patience for the missed episode last week, I had family obligations, sorry for the delay!)
- This episode: spiritual gifts
- Unity, humility, love for the church in the Gospel.
- The text we will mainly look at today is 1 Cor. 13.
2. The Debate
Cessationists: See gifts as serving a foundation-laying role in the early church, but that they ceased after the Bible was canonized.
Continuationists: Gifts are still active and useful today in the church.
The debate often centers not on if God can do miracles, but on whether the gifts are normative for the church.
1 Cor. 13
When the “perfect” comes:
- Cessationist perspective: is the canon fulfilled, maturity of the church.
- Continuationist perspective: is Jesus’ second coming. Jesus is the "perfect".
- John Piper on this
- Validate each side, scripture, church history, experience.
- Compelling Truth on this
- Personal position/view on spiritual gifts: Continuationist, fully submitted to sola scriptura, the gifts are critical to church health, don’t operate like they did in the 1st century. John Piper and Matt Chandler are two solid teachers on this, among many brilliant bible teachers. Wayne Grudem too.
2. How we got here
Early Church (1st–3rd c.): In the early church, spiritual gifts were assumed to be active, rooted in both Scripture and experience. By the 4th century, voices like Chrysostom noted the gifts seemed to fade, though this wasn’t formal doctrine.
Medieval Period: In the medieval era, miraculous claims shifted to relics and saints, shaped more by experience and church authority than Scripture.
Reformation (1500s): At the Reformation, Calvin and Luther emphasized Sola Scriptura and were cautious of miracle claims, especially when Rome used them to justify authority.
18th–19th c.: By the 18th and 19th centuries, Enlightenment rationalism reinforced skepticism toward the miraculous, and many Protestants concluded the gifts belonged only to the apostolic age.
Early 1900s – Pentecostalism: The Azusa Street Revival reignited belief in tongues, prophecy, and healing as active, with experience once again interpreted through Scripture. This spread through the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
Today: Today, Christians are divided: some see the gifts as foundational and tied to the apostolic era, while others see them as still active and edifying. The
What's your favorite Bible verse?
We hope this episode helps to equip both your view, and how you serve the Lord with it.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
How the Original Languages Help Us Understand God's Word and Worship Him
Welcome and Thanks
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Praying for you, all of us are in different seasons.
God is using you in His Kingdom.
Pray for time.
How do the original languages deepen our study of the Word?
Multifaceted, but because the Bible was written originally in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, translations do a wonderful job, however, nuances be missed in translation. We still get the meaning, we can know the idea of what the original manuscript was saying, but studying, key word there, allows us to dive deeper, understand better, and more accurately.
CNC machine. A highly accurate machining machine.
Was going to explain why the original languages are important, but instead, let’s walk through it together!
You can generally trust your translation.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher as we study. 3 Keys of Bible Study.
Scripture interprets Scripture. God is faithful.
Here are just a few reasons why at least a surface level understanding of the original languages are important.
Original languages for study:
- Grant a greater understanding of nuances in the text
- Help us test teaching and detect false teachings more easily
- Better understanding of translations and discerning translation types
- Grow in a richer, worshipful understanding of God's Word
In this episode we are going to briefly unpack each one.
The point here. Know your Bible. Know it well. Know it with humility before God. Let it shape you, let it master you. So you know and love the LORD.
Greater understanding of nuances in the text
Matthew 7:7
Ask seek knock
Explain tenses briefly
"Tense in English refers to both the time when the action of the verb takes place and the form of the word."
11 William D. Mounce, Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar, ed. Verlyn D. Verbrugge, Third Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 123. ]
Test teachings (not critically) and detect false teachings more easily
John 1:1
"the Word was God", not "a god".
Refuting Jehovah Witnesses. There’s no article before theon.
Better understanding of translations and discerning translation types
Romans 3:23 Different translations
ESV, NLT, NIV, NET and others.
Psalm 37:4 Gloss for delight and it’s use in Is 57:4
Grow in a richer, worshipful understanding of God's Word
John 19:30
The beauty of tetelestai
Now take this with and check these links!
Resources:
Biola on Tetelestai
Blue Letter Bible on Tenses and other Greek goodnes
What's your favorite Bible verse?
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
Welcome
Check out the downloadable infographic for this episode! Don't miss the resources section for other links used in this episode.
Additional content on Instagram
Send us a text! I won’t see your info, just your message.
Last part of our series on Bible vs. Science.
1. Intro
Isaiah was a prophet living during the time of several kings of Judah who reigned from 767 B.C. to 686 B.C.
Basically the 8th century.
2. Diving in: What does Isaiah say?
- Reading the prophecy about Cyrus.
- Isaiah 45:1-4
- Name specific, people specific.
- Cross references
- 2 Chronicles 36:22
- Ezra 5
3. What do the outside sources say?
- Empirical data of what Isaiah said that the outside sources corroborate.
- "His decree that is written on the cylinder matches perfectly what the Bible predicted he would do."
- The Dead Sea Scrolls
4. What do the skeptics say?
- Written later
- Briefly explain ex eventu.
- Written after Cyrus delivered Israel
- Multiple authorship: Differing styles and themes
- Using literary differences to determine authorship
5. How can we know Isaiah has one author?
Besides Isaiah himself: The New Testament
- Jesus in Matthew 13:14
- Paul Romans 11:8
- John 12:39-40
6. What does the physical evidence show us?
- One continuous scroll
- The Cyrus cylinder
7. Why do critics ignore these things?
- Methodological naturalism
- Their lens prohibits prophecy
8. The Gospel tie in
- Isaiah prophecies Jesus
- If they don't accept inerrancy, if they don't accept Jesus' words, they simply won't be willing to believe. Pray for them.
- This means that, if we follow this logically, that if Isaiah prophesied this, what else did he prophecy?
- Luke 4:21
9. How do we approach these conversations as believers?
- Spiritual conversations using history/science
- Those who reject the words of the Lord Himself will never be convinced by any other means. Pray for them. Let's speak the truth in love.
- It' s not about just knowing these things, it's about how God wants to use it to lead people to His Word and to Himself.
Next episode: exploring the importance of Biblical language for every believer! Planned for next Wednesday.
Resources:
Downloadable Infographic
Got Questions On Isaiah
Explore The Isaiah Manuscript On The Dead Sea Scroll Website
Evidence Unseen on The Book of Isaiah
Apologetics Press on The Book of Isaiah
What's your favorite Bible verse?
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
EPISODE OUTLINE: When Science Seems To Disprove Genesis
Bible vs. Science - Part 2
When Science Seems to Disprove Genesis
Series: the bible vs. science – Part 2
Strong Phrases from Heavy Skeptics
Segment 1: Story from College (3 mins.)
Segment 2: What’s Really Going On
Segment 3: Why It Matters
Segment 4: Examples & Pushback
“Radiometric dating proves an old earth.”
“Fossils show millions of years.”
“Adam and Eve couldn’t be literal, it’s genetically impossible.”
Segment 5: Theology of Science
General Revelation
Psalm 19:1 creation declares God’s glory
Romans 1:20
Colossians 2:8
What's your favorite Bible verse?
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
Does science disprove the Bible?
Can Christians be confident in the Word when scientific findings seem to contradict it?
This episode will explore how to approach science and the Word in a way that honors God, while also respecting the tool that He created science to truly be, a tool to worship Him.
One of the most robust resources on the topic of the flood:
Answers in Genesis
Example of Critical Scholarship (this is what I was referring to when a fallible scientific worldview dictates your understanding of truth and error)
What's your favorite Bible verse?
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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!
Last episode in this series on Bible study!
This episode focusing on applications in Bible study.
Head and Heart
- The first and most important application of any passage is applying the theological truth to our hearts and minds.
- What does the text say about God?
- Ex. Psalm 90:2
Yielding our hearts to what a passage reveals about God is the primary work of the passage.
- Do I believe this?
- The Spirit does this work in whatever passage we are studying.
This is true even in Difficult passages
What are some practical ways that we can "apply" this to our bible study.
- Ask do I believe what the text says about God?
- Does this stir in my heart affections for Christ?
Meditating is a great way to truly chew on the Word daily.
Being a Doer
Start with the passage
- Get the gist of it down
- What does the text instruct the reader to do?
- Hint: Look for the verbs of the passage.
This could be an action, it could be believing something about God, it could even be a sin issue that God wants you to deal with.
1 Cor 13
The Love chapter
What passages explain the Gospel? Have you encountered questions that you are unsure the answer to regarding it? Do you have resources you can go to to get the answer?
Applying Bible Study Daily
The Spirit working in us with right interpretation, clarifying what passages mean and what they don't, gives us confidence in how to apply passages in every day life.
We should not take this truth for granted: the Bible should inform and through the Holy Spirit, empower every area of our lives, to bring us into conformity with God's will for us. We should not build on anything else but the rock of Christ.
We are now on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out @Establishedinthetruthpodcast!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
IMPORTANT
People reject Christ due to this topic alone. Bible redaction is a currently hot topic and a difficult one in many circles of theology, particularly higher criticism (those who reject inspiration of Scripture). Before I lose you on this wording, note that as Christians, this topic has implications in both Bible study AND apologetics. If you are new to this topic, please allow this episode to be a kind of introduction, and please email us or follow links below if you need more information.
Join us in this episode with our special guest Caleb Alons as we discuss a unique and difficult topic in Bible study of our time, redaction criticism.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Caleb is currently a student at Oral Roberts University pursuing degrees in both the mathematics and Biblical Literature! A dear brother in Christ, fellow worship leader and growing theologian, I consider it a privilege to have him discuss Bible redaction with me in this episode.
**If you have any questions on this episode, please email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com.
RESOURCES**
What are redaction criticism and higher criticism?
Follow us on Instagram and on your favorite streaming platform! Links in bio. God bless! #podcast #Christian #christianpodcast #theology #biblestudy #jesus #god #exegesis #faith #grace #godsword #holyspirit #church
We are now on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out @Establishedinthetruthpodcast!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Key #2
2 Ways We Get the Word Wrong, 1 Simple Way to Get It Right
We want to know what the passage is saying, so lets talk about how to know that passages do and don't say.
**Story time! My fail when I started pursuing my wife.
THE GOAL:
We don't reading the Word is not to know what's next** in life, for some secret insight into a passage that only you know, or even to get a word for someone else. The primary goal of reading the Word is to KNOW Christ and by KNOWING Him, to be transformed to look more LIKE Him. To put it plainly. Reading and studying the Bible is not some ethereal experience. Our experience reading and studying the Bible, truly, is that in doing so we know what God is like, we know His love for us IN CHRIST, and that we love Him and obey Him. This is the goal of the Word, that we know and love God and keep His commandments. Nothing more is needed, nothing less is given.
We covered this in the last episode, but lets cover some common misconceptions.
Common misconceptions
- The Spirit interprets the Word for us outside of studying. This is isolation, not good. -The Spirit leads us to interpret the Word as the context allows.
- I feel like it says this. Like I REALLY feel it! This is how the Mormons work…
- The Spirit led me to interpret it this way. We can be led by a lot of things, but we need discernment to make this call.
- God told me it says this. God doesn’t need to tell you what the Word says, He wants you to READ what He says . This is plainly just overspiritualizing Bible study.
God has no necessity, no requirement on His end to speak outside of Scripture.
We get this from Paul., “do not go beyond what is written”.
Again this doesn’t mean God can’t speak outside of Scripture, but that is not something we should seek. In fact, I would argue we should avoid seeking that, His Word is sufficient.
Going From Narcigesis to exegesis
narcigesis: define
So, narcigesis is “the explanation of the Bible in a way that shows excessive interest in oneself and prioritizes one’s own ideas.”
exegesis: Define
exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis
Example:
David and Goliath and Popular Preachers
There's no problem with relating to the text in our own circumstances, but that doesn't determine what the text MEANS.
How DO we know the Spirit is giving us insight?
- Consistent with context and the whole counsel of the Word.
- Glorifies Christ
- Focuses on sanctification, not advanced revelation or even personal direction.
Understanding God more, and His purposes for us.
Interpretation based on clearly understanding the text
- Not just understanding verbs, nouns, etc. Understand the author, understand the readers, what is the book as a whole saying?
- Example
- Philippians 4:13
Correctly interpreting a verse leads us to a richer understanding of the text, and results in applications that empower us by the Spirit, because the Truth is sanctifying us, God’s promises are being understood and applied.
God bless you!
We are now on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out @Establishedinthetruthpodcast!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Key #1, Context is King
PLEASE SEE THE RESOURCES AT THE END OF THE DESCRIPTION FOR VALUABLE INFO. I DO NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION BY PROVIDING LINKS.
This episode is strictly talking about context.
We’re at our Bible, we are seeing the words, we are reading it, we need to know what the text is saying.
Well, the Bible is a mix of different authors, genres, time periods, etc. So in order to understand what we are reading, we need to know the context.
How do we do that?
We need to get the **text clearly.
Context**
- Genre
- Authorship
- Word meaning/subjects/verbs
- Getting to the meat of the text (meaning), interpretation
So let’s get into it
1. Genre
The type of writing we read directs how we understand it and apply it.
We don’t read the Psalms the same way we read Romans. Genesis is very different from Leviticus. What are the different genres?
- Historical Narrative
- Wisdom Literature
- Poetry
- The Gospels
- Epistles
- Prophecy
- Apocalyptic Literature
-
Law
-
Author
Intent and purpose
What does it do and why do we need it?
It defines the meaning of the passage.
Without getting to the meaning of the passage, we won’t understand it.
We’ll cover the application of this more in the next episode, but for now, understand the author’s intent and purpose for writing the passage.
How to get the authors intent?
Genre is big here. In some genres the author tells us! Paul does this A LOT.
In other genres, its important to understand how the genre works.
3. Word meaning
Critical. Enriching but can be dangerous.
God is faithful, this is why we study!
The key here is to let the passage direct word meaning, let the book direct the passage meaning, and let the author direct the book meaning.
This means that the authors intent and purpose direct the meaning of the entire passage, but to get the the core of the passage, we do need to understand the whole.
Resources
How to Read the Bible for Yourself - Desiring GodInterpreting the New Testament Text: Introduction to the Art and Science of ExegesisGrasping God's Word
Textbook older editionTextbook newer edition
We are now on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out @Establishedinthetruthpodcast!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Show notes to be here shortly...
We are now on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out @Establishedinthetruthpodcast!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Ever been to a family reunion?
One big family with a lot of weird cousins, a wise seminary professor said to us in my class.
Little C catholic, what does that mean?
Denominations are the best we can do with what we have.
Known Fully, But Fully Know?
So what do we do when others have such different interpretations?
3 Ways For Healthy, Biblical Unity That Doesn’t Compromise
-
Be healthily dogmatic regarding the essentials
-
Guard your doctrine closely
- NOT PROUD
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Ti 4:16.
- Be a student of the Word
- Rightly diving the word of truth
“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.”
2 Timothy 2:15 NET
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Ti 2:15.
NET teaching the truth accurately
- Not all are teachers as mentioned, a call to all believers to sound doctrine in study.
- Seek to understand how other positions were formed.
-
Ask good questions.
-
Commit to sound interpretation of Scripture (will be learning process).
-
Embrace global unity, seek local fellowship in your camp
Phil. 2:
“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”
Philippians 2:1-3 NET
John 17:21
Why is unity hard? The flesh.
We need to be 1 Corinthians 13 Christians
Corinth not the example, exhortation is.
How?
- Acknowledge that we don’t know everything.
- You may be wrong.
- Call is to unite, not divide.
- Don’t set your doctrines based upon division, but on Scripture.
- Don’t divide over tradition.
- Even tradition can be a poor indicator of doctrine. If others have different traditions, it doesn’t mean bad theology. It can, but Scripture and sound teaching will show that.
- Pray for the church to return to the Word
- Gospel centered preaching
-
Evangelism founded upon election
-
Determine to trust the Lord with disagreements and not take matters into our
own hands. - Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14
We will continue to disagree, that’s what grace is for.
Let’s seek the Kingdom together.
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
The resurrection isn't just a cause for Easter celebration, though it is an opportunity to truly celebrate our risen Savior. The resurrection is the very means by which God chose to grant us favor with God. If Christ wasn't raised, we of all people are to be pitied!
In this episode we seek to understand resurrection on a doctrinal level, while being equipped with empowering truths to encourage our walks with Christ.
The question we are answering today is what does the resurrection truly do for Christians?
- Completes righteousness for our sake.
We are made right with God because of the resurrection. Rom. 4:25
Our faith isn't just dependent on Christ's finished work,His raising to life literally makes us right with God!
His work on the cross bore the wrath of God for us, but God's favor was earned for us by Jesus raising from the dead!
- Empowers Christian life
God's work in you as a Christian
Two implications here
a. Victory over sin in this life, even though we will never be sinless on earth. (Rom. 6:4).
b. Power to evangelize! (Acts 1:8)
- Guarantees our resurrection
Christ didn't merely raise to life again, He CONQUERED sin and death through His resurrection. (Romans 6)
We are promised resurrected bodies, a wonderful promise we have for eternity.
(1 Cor 6:14)
False beliefs:
- Does not guarantee salvation
- It is about us
- Gives example for modern day physical resurrections
Focus is on the Deity of Christ, victory over sin and death, and believing in Jesus so that we may eternal life in Him.
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
New Year New You! Wait...... I'm already new. Then what does that mean for Christians? Are new year's resolutions helpful for us? Let's talk about it in this last episode of the year and dive into 3 Things we should consider. Grab a Bible or your Bible app and let's go!
3 Things To Consider:
A. Most new year’s resolutions revolve around the self, when Christians are called to deny ourselves.
B. You don’t need a new year as an excuse to change, the Gospel is our compelling.
C. Sanctifying Versus Gratifying
Resources for this episode:
https://insideoutmastery.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
biblehub.com
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Finding true joy in the ultimate gift, hint… it’s not your new 8K TV.
Luke 2:10
Why great joy?
- Salvation: God met our greatest need, forgiveness, by Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection.
- Even as Christians, our natural inclination is not to obey and love God.
Fighting consumerism and materialism and enjoying Christ in the little things.
How do Christians avoid the worldly drive of Christmas?
- Approaching Christmas with Christ-like generosity, trusting the Lord to use even the little things.
- Godly vs. ungodly desires
- God has wired us with desire, but those desires don’t ultimately satisfy us.
a. Psalm 23:1
b. Psalm 27:4
Applications: what we can do.
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Enjoying gifts to the glory of God, reminded of eternity with Him.
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Be generous, even in a small way, and ask the Lord to bless it!
Was there a time when you experienced generosity during Christmas?
Share with us what it was and how it blessed you! You can share by commenting on our Instagram post from this episode and share with us! You can also email us at establishedinthetruthpodcast@gmail.com!
Your response, with permission, may even end up being featured in a future episode!
I invite you to join us for our last episode in this series this week tomorrow at 3pm!
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Good grief, Charlie Brown's famous quite. Yet, suffering isn't fun, and most of the time it doesn't feel good! But God is able to be a refuge for us. In this episode, we seek to answer the question, how do we celebrate in the midst of suffering?
The points covered in this episode:
A recent example of hardship for us.
Question: How do we celebrate when we or others are suffering?
- The God of all comfort
A. Jesus Himself is our hope and comfort.\
B. God's Word is our hope
C. God's purpose for hope
2. So what do we do?
A. Pray, asking God for comfort.
3.How do we know we are being comforted?
A. When other Christians show us care: the local church
B. When we care for others while we are suffering
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We are not called to retreat in suffering, but to receive.
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Celebrate not because it is easy, but because God is worthy of it.
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Whether we are eating at a restaurant with family you haven't seen since the start of Covid, or walking down the street with your wife of 50 years, God wants to use our time with family and friends this year for His glory. But we have spiritual needs as believers that God wants to meet in order for us to be used by Him effectively. Here are 4 Ways that God wants to pour into us and to use us this week as we Savor Christ before Christmas.
- Take care of your soul
- Be innocent of evil, and wise about the good.
- Be a good listener.
- Speak the truth in love.
Resources from today's episode:
https://www.amazon.com/Can-You-Hear-Me-Now/dp/0781438969
https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-7.htm
https://biblehub.com/romans/16-19.htm
https://biblehub.com/james/1-19.htm
https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-15.htm
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Immanuel means God with us. Yep, got it. But... why did we need God with us?
In this first episode in our mini series this week, we tackle briefly, what Immanuel meant for the Jews during Jesus time, what it means for us, and how we can respond this season, because God's Presence with us is for real for real, by faith in the person of Jesus Christ. The verses covered in this episode are Matthew 1:22-23 in the ESV translation.
- What need did Immanuel meet?
- Why is that so crazy?
- OurImmanuel (He came once, He gon' come again son!)
- How the people (shepherds, Mary, and angels, it was lit fam) during that time responded, take notes kids, we should too!!!
Resources from this episode:
Biblehub link- https://biblehub.com/matthew/1-23.htm
Temple info- https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-the-world-looked-when-jesus-was-born-according-to-roman-geographers
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
What does a high view of God and His Word accomplish? It's fine and dandy to have a high view of God and His Word, but practically, what does that do in our lives? Well... TONS! In fact, this list can't cover it! However, it is a good starting place. These 10 ways God's hike makes us more like Jesus seeks to apply practically what we covered in the last episode. Not only do we need''s hike and let it transform us, others around us need us hiking this trail with them and even calling others not yet walking with God to join in. God's glory in our lives and others it at stake, and He chooses to use us! :D
10 Ways God's Hike Makes You Like JesusVerses included in audio
1. Live wisely2. Higher Heavenly mindset
3. Sights on eternity4. Deeper love for the Gospel
5. Greater joy in worshipping God
6. Greater understanding in trial7. Contentment: Resting confidence in Who God is
8. Continual thanksgiving
9. Stronger desire to share the Gospel
10. Overflowing Hope
The aroma of Christ in our lives
We cannot be hidden!
We are on Instagram!!! I know crazy right? Check us out @Establishedinthetruth!
Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
"Why would I fear the man upstairs?" "God didn't write the Bible, man did." In the midst of a world that holds a very low view of God and His Word, Christians are called to have a High View of God and His Word. But what is this High View? And why is it important to embrace and submit to it? In this first episode in this series, we seek to answer these questions, are you ready to go up?
Topics include:
- What is a high view of God and His Word?
- What is a low view of God and His Word?
- What are the results of each?
- What do your circles look like? Pray for yourself and them! :)
Subscribe, follow, whatever verb you'd like to use, on your favorite streaming platform!
Comments, questions, prayer requests? Email us at establishedinthetruth@gmail.com or reach us at establishedinthetruth.wordpress.com!
Defending God's existence today can be a challenge. How do we navigate conversations with those who don't believe He exists? Does the Bible say anything about those who deny that He is real? These questions and more are discussed as we learn from God's Word and use that knowledge to defend that He indeed does exist and has written His law on their hearts.
The 2 things people experience that prove God’s existence
- Passages from Romans
- We DO have a conscience
How do we defend these?
- Subjective experiences vs. absolute truth
Thanks for joining us for this episode in our series this week! Remember to check out the resources in the description and go to establishedinthetruthpodcast.wordpress,com with any further questions or comments!
The Bible has had an onslaught of doubt and opposition cast on it, it appears even more so the last 100 years. How do we defend Scripture? How do we handle even our own doubts?
Let's take a deep dive into not only our own trust of God's Word, but also how to answer common objections to the Bible. Today we will cover: Trusting the Bible : Dealing with logic and doubt
- 2 Keys in using God’s Word and logic
- How to wrestling with our own doubt
Defending the Bible: Common objections
- Man wrote it, not God? Incorrect. Plenary inspiration*
- Has it been correctly translated? YES, here's how we know.
- The Bible is too old.
- Dealing with universal needs
- Reality of the conscience
Resources from this episode:
Chart on manuscript comparison
Gotquestions.org about logic and reliability
Compelling Truth on the Bible's relevance
Thanks for joining us for this episode in our series this week! Remember to check out the resources in the description and go to establishedinthetruthpodcast.wordpress,com with any further questions or comments!
In our increasingly hostile culture to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how do we share our faith with confidence? How do we share in hostile conversations, confusion, and when we feel unprepared? In this special episode in our series , 10 Minute Apologetics, Pastor Chris Stastny shares with us insight and encouragement about sharing our faith in the midst of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. While the conversation didn't fit 10 minutes, we hope that you will still find it encouraging, insightful, and equipping! Let's dive into the conversation and hear from Pastor Chris!
When to share the Gospel
How to share the Gospel
What to share when sharing the Gospel
Thanks for listening in to this special episode and join us for our next episode tomorrow on defending the Bible!
Thanks for joining us for this episode in our series this week! Remember to check out the resources in the description and go to establishedinthetruthpodcast.wordpress,com with any further questions or comments!
How do we approach conversations with those who seem to believe in the God of the Bible, but unfortunately do not? Do you ever feel like you don't know enough Scripture to defend your faith? These questions and more are discussed in this episode in our series, **10 Minute Apologetics.
Understanding culture, but not** getting sucked into it.
The Trinity
Common false beliefs of faiths considered by the world to be Christian
Join us for an interview with a pastor in the next episode as we talk about sharing our faith in the midst of fear!
Thanks for joining us in this series! Join us for our next episode!
Have you ever wondered what the Holy Spirit does in your life on a daily basis as a Christian? Are we supposed to be on a spiritual high all the time? Am I doing something wrong if I am not experiencing joy or peace? Have you ever been on a mission trip or went to a worship night and missed that joy you felt?
In this episode we plan to look into how the Holy Spirit operates in the believers everyday life. Specifically we will be looking at how the Holy Spirit sustains us daily and what that practically looks like.
- Am I on a spiritual roller coaster?
- God is the God of the mundane
- Thefaith train
- 7 Ways the Holy Spirit Sustains Us
Listen in and follow us on your favorite streaming platform! New episodes approximately monthly!
Next episode... Lord willing Apologetics? :)
Thanks for listening to the new series, The Holy Helper: Life in Christ in the Spirit!
Thanks for joining us in this series! Join us for our next episode!
Welcome to the new series!
Let's be real, understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in our day and age can be confusing, right? I mean, what does He REALLY do? And if He is doing anything, does it involve us? This not because the Spirit is confused, but because we are! This episode aims to look into just that, what is He doing and how can we better understand it?? Also, there's a surprise topic if you listen to the end! Hint: It has something to do with the Spirit :D
Disclaimer: I do not advertise on this podcast. This podcast is intended for the building up of the body of Christ without any monetary compensation.
The 3 Ways discussed are:
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Makes Us Holy
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Teaches Us
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Gives Us Spiritual Life
Here are the resources mentioned from the episode:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-today.html
https://www.desiringgod.org/series/the-person-and-work-of-the-holy-spirit
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/how-the-spirit-sanctifies
I also heavily used the New American Commentary and the Pillar New Testament Commentary for this episode in the Gospel of John.
Have you ever been confused about the Spirit's role in your life? Have you wondered if you really understood the work of Holy Spirit both in your walk and others? Are there ways the Spirit works that we may not have considered? Is it possible that you and I have misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what He does today? Let's look into these questions and more in this new series, The Holy Helper.
Have a comment? Have a question? Prayer request? Click the link below to got o the podcast site!
https://inandoutofseasonblog.wordpress.com/establishedinthetruth/
Again, I do not receive monetary compensation for link clicks, the contact form is solely for ministry purposes. The Lord bless you!
In this last episode of our series the Gospel Gobstopper, we seek to unpack 3 powerful ways the Gospel transforms our relationships. God has given us unfathomable news of salvation in His Son Jesus. But how can we be faithful to that same news in our daily relationships? How do we understand them also in the context of eternity with God? The main points covered are listed below for your convenience. Have a listen as we unpack the implications of each!
1. The Gospel breaks our hearts for the lost.2. The Gospel leads us to loving unity with the found.3. The Gospel is our foundation for future glory with the saints.
Welcome back! May the Lord grant us all insight on how the Gospel applies in every area of our life!
This episode seeks to unpack the implications of the Gospel in our prayer life as believers in Jesus Christ. Why is the Gospel so important in prayer? How does the Gospel practically affect our prayer life? Four main points are covered:
The Gospel in prayer:
- Reminds us of our need for God's gift of grace
- Empowers us in our weakness to pray
- Guides our desires
How can we pray with the Gospel in mind? Have a listen!
In this episode we will dive into the importance of Bible study and reading the Word in light of the Gospel, and how God works in us to help us live out what we read. If you have been blessed by this episode, consider subscribing and following us wherever you listen to podcasts! The Lord bless you!
Please pardon the podcast name blooper, if you can't tell it was late! xD
In this special Christmas episode, we look into some big "why's" of Christmas. This isn't your "Jesus is the greatest gift of all podcast", we will go much deeper than that, looking into God's actual purposes for sending Jesus, and what it He accomplished by doing so. Here are the 4 main points we will look into.
- Jesus' Fulfillment of Prophecy
- God's Revelation (Revealing) of Himself
- God With Us (why is this important?)
- The Hope of Future Glory
This one is a little longer than usual, so feel free to skip around if you'd like. Really the central thrust of this episode is Jesus' fulfillment of God's promises in the Old Testament should compel us to worship Him and love others as we celebrate Christmas. The grace of God in Christ be with you!
Should Christians study the Bible alone or together? Is studying the Bible alone healthy? What should be our perspective on seeking help to understand passages in the Bible? These and other questions are explored as we seek to understand the role of Christian community and Bible Study. While we won't take an exhaustive take on this topic, let's dive into what the Body of Christ offers as the members come together to grow in knowing God's Word better.
Topics Include:
- The necessity of community in Bible study
- The dangers of studying alone primarily
- The blessings of learning from others
- 3 Why's of studying together
- Prayerfully discerning insight from others
Please see these resources, they are fantastic:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/public-reading-scripture/
https://www.gotquestions.org/Community-Bible-Study.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/group-Bible-study.html
Disclaimer: I recognize and believe the omnipotence of God in using any believer of any maturity to encourage in the Word. The goal of "Street cred" is to treat Bible study input from new believers as less weighty on doctrinal matters and strive to learn from those who are seasoned in the faith and know Christ and His Word and who are trustworthy sources for insight. New believers indeed have a capacity to be amazed by Scriptural truths that seasoned believers will be encouraged by and should be spurred on in faith from.