The Hammer & Tulip Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Hammer & Tulip
Graham and Gareth continue the series on the five solas of the reformation, this time around looking at the doctrine of Solus Christus; what does it mean that our salvation is in Christ alone?
Gareth and Graham discuss Sola Fide - is it true to say that we are saved through faith alone, or is there more to it than that? We take a deep dive into scripture and church history to find out.
Is it something that comes down to personal preference or are there some underlying principles that need to be considered?
It is difficult to overstate the importance of the Toronto Blessing in the development and spread of NAR/Latter Rain theology and practice. Most if not all charismatic churches in the west have been impacted by what happened in Toronto in 1994 - but how did this movement get started and who were the key players? We also take a sideways glance at the Lakeland revival of 2008, a revival that showed the global prominence of the NAR and also it's weakness for destructive leaders.
The New Apostolic Reformation is eating the Charismatic Church alive. Doctrines such as the restoration of the governing offices of Apostle and Prophet are more or less taken for granted in the charismatic church today - but what about the influence of the word of faith movement? Where did it come from and what influence does it have on the NAR and the charismatic movement if any? We discuss.
The NAR (new apostolic reformation) is taking the charismatic church by storm. New Apostles and Prophets carrying fresh revelation, worship services featuring ecstatic worship, 'fire-tunnels' and impartation sessions are becoming the norm in the west. Gareth and Graham explore the historic roots of the movement beginning with a look back at William Branham and the Latter Rain movement.
In the final instalment of our mini series on the fracturing of Evangelicalism in the last century we contrast the great evangelical preachers of the Great Awakening in the 18th century with the modern day 'Big Eva' church.
Using Iain Murray's book, Evangelicalism Divided as a guide we look into the events that have shaped modern evangelicalism in the west today. In episode 2 we focus in on some of the big players on the UK evangelical scene in the mid 20th century.
Using Iain Murray's book on the subject as a guide, Gareth and Graham explore the issue's that have contributed to the erosion of the Evangelical movement in the latter half of the 20th century through to today.
In the final instalment of our series on the down grade controversy we cover Spurgeon's withdrawal from the Baptist Union and subsequent letters in the Sword and Trowel, December 1887 - April 1888.
We now come to the crux of the downgrade, which escalated towards the back end of 1887. Spurgeon writes three articles in the sword and trowel, doubling down on his assessment of the state of the Baptist Union and responding to his critics. We look at what happened to Spurgeon when he spoke out and draw parallels between his day and ours.
A new 3 part series on 'The Down Grade Controversy'. We take a trip back into 19th century England and see what parallels can be drawn between then and now.
The war on 'toxic masculinity', the rise of Andrew Tate, the dearth of strong leaders. Is this what happens when the established church turns simp for pop culture?
Listen to the opening session from the Hammer and Tulip conference - No Other Gospel, with special guest Pastor Dia Moodley. We discuss the importance of sharing the Gospel as the Bible presents it, rather than how our listeners may want to have it presented.
In our final episode covering the doctrines of grace we look at the question of whether you can lose your salvation? Is the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints a biblical one? We discuss.
In the penultimate episode of our series on the doctrines of grace we focus on the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Does it mean that God forces people against their will to be saved? We discuss.
For whom did Christ die? Did He atone for the sins of a chosen people or for every single person? Does the cross merely make people ‘saveable’ or does it actually save? We discuss.
UNCONDITIONAL ELECTIONGraham and Gareth discuss the doctrine of election. Does the Bible teach that God elects some to salvation? If so, on what basis does He do this? Is God's election based on foreseen faith or not? We get stuck in.
UNDERSTANDING THE DOCTRINE OF TOTAL DEPRAVITY
The Doctrines of Grace which underpin Calvinism are some of the most misunderstood doctrines in the modern church. We discuss some theories as to why this might be and zoom in on the doctrine of Total Depravity.
VESSELS OF REVIVAL // Revival Series
In the final episode of our series on revival we ask; what does it mean to become a vessel of revival? A.W. Tozer said that 'to improve or change the church you must begin with individuals.' So if revival is what we need, what has to happen at the level of the individual?
Graham and Gareth discuss why revival is of necessity something always birthed, nursed and matured in prayer.
Revival. What is it? What isn't it? Should we really even be trying to define it? Gareth and Graham discuss as they begin a new mini series on the subject of revival.
Many have heard about the end time Antichrist who will arise shortly before the return of Christ, but few are familiar with the spirit of Antichrist, which the apostle John taught is active in the world right now. So what is the spirit of Antichrist? Where and how is it operating and how can we be guarded against it?
Did Charles Spurgeon see this coming? 130 years have passed since his death and the UK church is in crisis, in desperate need of revival. How has this happened and what can be done?
The Gospel of Christ is the most transformational message on the planet. The apostle Paul said that it is 'the power of God unto salvation.' So getting it wrong will have serious, eternal consequences. So how can we know if the church we attend is getting it right?
THE END TIMES // 4 VIEWS
World events since 2020 have contributed to a resurgence of interest in eschatology, the study of the end times. We take a look at 4 popular views held by Christians.
Gareth and Graham discuss the ecumenical movement, considering it's positive elements and also shining a light on some of its excesses. We also discuss The Passion Translation and why so many people feel so passionately about it being taken down from BibleGateway.com.
We are commanded by scripture both to hold to the truth of God's word and also that we ought to pursue unity with other Christians. Well, what happens when we don't agree on what God's word says? What then? Gareth and Graham discuss the discipline of theological triage, and the uses it has for us as Christians who want both; to be in union with other Christians and to be zealous for God's truth.
The Father Heart movement has brought with it a renewed emphasis on the Fatherhood of God. In particular this movement advocates for believers seeking a personal encounter of the Father's love. There is much to agree with in this area, however some of the associated teachings that have come through writers like the late Jack Frost are of concern. In particular the idea that a born again, Spirit filled Christian can simultaneously be a spiritual orphan, in bondage to an orphan heart/spirit. We examine this claim biblically.
Graham and Gareth take a look at the ministry and theology of the 19th century preacher, Charles Finney. He has had perhaps one of the most pervasive influences of all preachers of his time, but what of his theology?
Books
Jesus, Man of Prayer - Margaret Magdalen Something's Not Right - Wade Mullen Dominion - Tom Holland Whatever Happened to the Gospel - James Montgomery Boice The Gospel Driven Church - Jared C. Wilson Providence - John Piper
Gareth and Graham talk about the links between the progressive Christianity of the 21st century and it's links to 19th century liberalism. They also look at 4 common hallmarks of progressive theology.
Books
When Narcissism Comes to Church - Chuck DeGroat
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution - Carl Trueman
It's hard to think of many other influences that have been as successful as pragmatism in changing the way we think about church. Graham and Gareth look at the impact of pragmatic thinking on Christianity.
Books
That Hideous Strength: A Deeper Look at How the West Was Lost - Melvin Tinker Ashamed of the Gospel - John MacArthur 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You - Tony Reinke Christianity & Liberalism - J. Gresham Machen
The NAR is arguably the fastest growing church movement in the west; churches like Bethel, Elevation and iHop Kansas have an ever growing impact on charismatic church. Isn't that a good thing? Gareth and Graham examine the movement and share some concerns about the impact of NAR theology on the church.
Another favourite of ours weighs in on Covid; could it be God's judgement? R.T. Kendall's article has drawn some sharp criticism, we get to the bottom of what the fuss is all about.
Massive respect for N.T. Wright, but is he wrong on this one? He claims Christianity offers no answers on Covid, nor should it. Is that true? We examine that claim.
Episode 1 // Where is God in Covid-19?
In our first episode we discuss the need for a solid Christian response to Covid-19. What are we supposed to think about it all? Are we supposed to think about it all? Graham and Gareth spend this episode responding to the views of Timothy Jay Oord, a theologian and scholar who wrote his response to the pandemic back in May.