Prepared to Answer Podcast: Recent Episodes
Prepared to Answer
Hear thought-provoking analysis that guides you to understand today's cultural issues and equips you with the strategies and confidence to have conversations that encourage others to think critically about spirituality, faith and reason, sexuality, gender identity, and the Bible. Challenge your thinking, learn to share your faith with gentleness and respect, and help introduce people to Jesus! Prepared to Answer is here to help prepare, encourage, and equip the church of Jesus Christ to grow in confidence of faith by teaching Christians to think like Jesus. Access more apologetics resources to help you begin understanding life and the world around you with the mind of Jesus: Visit preparedtoanswer.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @preparedtoanswer.
How can Christians know that Jesus is God and wasn't just a good man? And, why does Jesus' divinity matter? In this episode from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn answer these questions by looking at what Jesus said about himself in the gospels, studying the religious and historical context into which Jesus was born, and diving into Old Testament prophecy.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature, by Michael F. Bird, Craig A. Evans, Simon Gathercole, Charles E. Hill
- Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture, by J. Ed Komoszewski, M. James Sawyer, Daniel B. Wallace
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
We‘ll all face suffering in some way, so how do we ensure our faith endures through those times? In this episode from the podcast archives, Scott and Shawn tackle this difficult subject of pain and suffering from the standpoint of Jesus’ own experience. They probe the Scriptures to see what guided Jesus’ mind as he journeyed through suffering — and what they discover is both inspiring and hopeful.
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Have you ever doubted whether or not you are really saved? In this encore episode from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn take a look at the Bible, particularly Jesus’ teachings, to see what it means to be a real follower of Jesus and what evidences there should be in a Christian’s life to show that they are truly saved.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Discipleship: What It Truly Means to Be a Christian - Collected Insights from A. W. Tozer
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Do you feel like Christianity is just another religion with burdensome rules to follow, and do you wonder if joining another denomination or religion might fix this feeling?
In this episode, Shawn sits down with Tim Hawman, the lead pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, to talk about what Jesus thought about religion. They discuss why it's only through pursuing a relationship with Jesus that you can experience the real and lasting joy of Christian living.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Tim’s book, I’m Catholic But Searching
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Shawn and Scott are thrilled to introduce our new PTA Go team member, Dr. Dani Treweek, and her ministry, Cross Related. In this episode, you’ll to hear the story about how God led Dani into ministry, and you’ll learn about Cross Related’s unique mission to help churches recover biblical and pastoral clarity for how the gospel reshapes the relational life of the disciple.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Cross Related’s website
- Our past episode with Dani: “Learning to Think Like Jesus About Singleness and Marriage”
- Register for the Cross Related launch event
Intro and outro song is "Butterfly Effect" by Cody Martin
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Is it okay for Christians to choose to only “go to church” online? To answer this question, we welcome Tim Hawman, the lead pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, onto the podcast. Tim lays out the biblical principles that will help answer the question of whether or not it is necessary to physically attend church.
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
With all the podcasts, videos, and other resources available on the Internet, how can Christians know who they should listen to?
In this podcast episode, we invited Mike McGarry back onto the podcast to answer this question. Mike shares who Christians should look to for answers to their faith questions and how to discern between good and bad sources for gaining wisdom.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Youth Pastor Theologian website
- Book: Nomad: A Short Story of Our Long Journey Home
- Podcast episode: “What Do We Do with the Books and Resources of Fallen Ministry Leaders?”
- Mike’s book: Iconic: Being God’s Image in Your World
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Is the New Testament historically accurate? In this episode, we welcome back archaeologist Bryan Windle from Associates for Biblical Research. Bryan shares how archaeology affirms the reliability of the Bible’s historical accounts and presents 5 discoveries that verify the people and events recorded in the New Testament.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Associates for Biblical Research website
- Bryan’s website
- Digging for Truth show
- Bible and Spade magazine
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
We invited Christian apologist Pavel Svinukhov onto the podcast to share his insights on how you can prepare your Muslim friend’s heart to hear the Gospel. Pavel lays out the ways you can challenge your Muslim friend’s core beliefs and reveals what you should avoid when trying to reach them for Christ.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Christ Underground Skool (resource hub)
- Christ Underground website
- Pavel's Instagram and TikTok
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Should Christians hang out with people who don’t follow Jesus? And should Christians go to parties with them when they know it’s not a “Christian” party?
In this episode, we invite Mike McGarry of Youth Pastor Theologian to share his insight on how young Christians can love their non-Christian friends, while still pursuing holiness in their Christian walk.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Youth Pastor Theologian website
- Mike’s book, Iconic: Being God’s Image in Your World
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Is the Old Testament historically accurate? In this episode, we welcome archaeologist Bryan Windle from Associates for Biblical Research. Bryan answers questions about how archaeology can confirm the accuracy of the Bible’s historical accounts and shares 5 discoveries that verify the events and people recorded in the Old Testament.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Associates for Biblical Research website
- Bryan’s website
- Digging for Truth show
- Bible and Spade magazine
- Bryan’s book, Joshua’s Jericho: The Latest Archaeological Evidence for the Conquest
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Many Christians struggle with the question, “how do I know I’m really saved?” But even after reading the popular advice available on the Internet, some walk away still doubting their salvation.
So, in this episode, special guest Matt Bellefeuille explains what he thinks doubters need to understand about salvation in order to answer their big questions and feel assured that that they are truly part of God’s kingdom.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Contact Matt at Doubters Welcome
- Doubters Welcome YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
- Original video on doubting your salvation by Matt
- Doubters Welcome Podcast
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
If you’re a Christian preparing to attend a secular college or university, you might worry about losing your faith or wonder how you can grow in your faith at school.
So, in this episode, Shawn invites his daughters onto the podcast to share their experiences as Christian students attending secular universities. While every student’s journey looks different, their stories may encourage you that it is possible to thrive in your walk with Christ, even while away at school.
❤️ Find your campus’ Christian community through Power to Change, InterVarsity, or Cru
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Are you struggling with internet addiction? In this episode, Scott and Shawn consider how Jesus would think about internet addiction. They discuss its causes and consequences, uncover the spiritual issue lying behind it all, and give some practical steps you can take to overcome your internet addiction.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
- The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction website
- Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, by John Piper
- The Glory of Christ, by R.C. Sproul
- Knowing Christ, by Mark Jones
- The Glory of Christ, by John Owen
- Previous podcast episodes
- Your Mental Health in a Digital Age: What Does Jesus Think?
- When Sleep Suffers: The Spiritual Cost of Living Online
- Sources mentioned for statistics and research
- Technology addiction statistics 2024
- Research on how video games are addictive
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Did you know that distraction has serious implications for your mental and spiritual health? In this episode, Scott and Shawn continue their discussion about learning to think like Jesus in a digital age. They unpack and discuss both the physical and spiritual cost of the constant distractions facing us in our digital environment.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
- “Speaking of Psychology: Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD”
- The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis
- Our episodes on social isolation and sleep deprivation
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Meet the entire team as we recap the many ways we’ve seen God at work through the ministries of Prepared to Answer, Doubters Welcome, and Youth Pastor Theologian in 2025. And, to give you a small taste of what you can expect to see coming in 2026.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Doubters Welcome website
- Youth Pastor Theologian Website
- YPT Curriculum
- Matt’s video on spiritual abuse
- Doubters Welcome Implementa Course - Welcoming Doubters: Pastoral Ministry in an Age of Deconstruction
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Have you ever had doubts about the trustworthiness of the gospels or if the Christmas story is really historical?
In this episode from the archives, Scott and Shawn discuss why we can have confidence that the Christmas story is true. They answer questions about supposed contradictions between the gospel accounts, the differences in genealogies between Matthew and Luke, the dating of the gospels, and the supernatural aspects of each gospel.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Is The Christmas Story Historical?” article
- The Historical Reliability of the New Testament, by Craig Blomberg
- Doubters Welcome YouTube channel (previously Truth Snack)
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Excessive cell phone use and poor sleep patterns often go hand in hand. But aside from the physiological and mental health impact, Christians must also become aware of the spiritual significance of sleep.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn continue the journey of learning to think like Jesus by looking at the problem of sleep deprivation in our digital age from the standpoint of what God tells us about the importance of sleep. They uncover that, beyond just meeting our daily need for rest, sleep is a gift from God that teaches us important truths about who he is and what his ultimate desire is for us as his children.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Current research is revealing the connection between the amount of time people spend online and our present mental health crisis. But what can we really do about it when smartphones have become virtually indispensable?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn consider how Jesus would think about life in a digital age and uncover some important insights from the Bible’s Grand Story concerning the danger and impact of doing life online. And in light of God’s ultimate purpose for us, they discuss some ways we may need to change our digital habits.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
- “Teens Used to Be Happier: What Changed?” by Jean Twenge
- Can Online Church Replace Meeting In Person? (related podcast episode)
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Anxiety is often associated with worry. But there is another side to anxiety that is not restricted to the level of our conscious thinking — and it isn’t solved by simply thinking it away or having “more faith”.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn take a look at anxiety through the lens of science and the Bible to understand its relationship to the human body — and, they consider how Jesus and other biblical characters dealt with the very real, physical aspects of anxiety.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “If Anxiety is in my Brain, why is my Heart Pounding?”, an article by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- “Protect your brain from stress”, by Harvard Health Publishing
- Our episode about The Grand Story of the Bible
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Jesus had a lot of different things he could have been anxious about, but he did not seem to live in constant worry. And, he didn’t focus his energy on trying to control his circumstances. How could this be?
In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn consider what shaped Jesus’ thinking about anxiety and how thinking like Jesus can help Christians deal with worry and anxiety today.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Talk to God About Your Anxiety”, by Jon Bloom
- The Ready Answers Conference website
_
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Our culture tends to consider good self-esteem as the foundation for having good mental health. But is self-esteem really the right place to ground our mental wellness?
Scott and Shawn uncover how Jesus’ thinking runs against the grain of much of today’s conventional “self-help” wisdom — most notably, in what Jesus saw as the ultimate foundation or starting point for good mental health.
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Watch our video podcast on YouTube
Stay connected 🔗
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Our Website
Mental health and mental illness are among the greatest concerns to our society today. But with so many competing voices in our culture offering diagnosis or cures, how can Christians wade into a sometimes confusing, but highly personal and important subject?
Scott and Shawn begin a series of discussions on learning to think like Jesus about mental health by setting the stage for how we want to approach the subject with the mind of Christ, and also offer encouragement and comfort for those who are presently struggling through mental health challenges.
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Watch on YouTube
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
How is Hell fair? Is belief in Hell toxic? Is Hell actually biblical? Should we believe in Hell as eternal torment or a place of annihilation?
In this encore episode from the podcast archives, Scott and Shawn help answer these questions as they walk through God’s Word to help you understand the concept of eternal punishment in the context of the glory of God.
📖 Episode Resources:
- John Piper, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
- Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in our Holiness
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
- R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God
- Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness
- Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle, Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We've Made Up
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Watch on YouTube
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn tackle the question of why God allowed evil by showing you how to give a quick response to this challenge, by explaining the pitfalls of a common response that is often given for the problem of evil, and by giving an in‑depth response to the problem of evil that will help you consider God’s ultimate purpose and destiny for his Creation. Tune in to learn more in this encore episode from our podcast archives.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Why Did God Allow the Fall?”, James N Anderson
- “If God is Sovereign, Why is His World Full of Suffering?”, John Piper
- “Confronting the Problem of Evil”, Joe Rigney
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Watch on YouTube
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
What are God’s goals for you in your search for a spouse? Can you date someone who isn’t a Christian? How can Christians even begin to date in a godly way when Jesus didn’t even talk about dating?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn take a look at dating through the mind of Jesus in order to help Christians align themselves with God’s goals and purposes before they start dating.
📖 Episode Resources:
- The Sacred Search, by Gary Thomas
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Self-care is seen as a necessary part of life, but how can young Christians learn to reconcile a culture that prizes “self-care” while following a Saviour who calls them to “lose their life” for the sake of his kingdom? What constitutes “good self-care” practices vs. “bad self-care” practices?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn use the “think like Jesus framework” to consider how Jesus would think about self-care, and they discover some vital truths that can help you keep your “self-care” from becoming “self-ish care”.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Data referenced in this episode
- The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt
- Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug use and Health
- American College Health Association
- Resources on digital addiction
- Is Digital Addiction a Real Thing?
- What’s the Root Cause of Digital Addiction?
- How Do You Escape the Snare of Digital Addiction?
- Why Are Smartphones So Addictive?
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Many see masculinity as hopelessly “toxic”. Others want to double down on historic “real man” stereotypes. Amidst all the noise and confusion, how are both Christian men and women to think about what makes a man a “real man”?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn return to the ‘think like Jesus’ framework found in Scripture in order to discern how Jesus thought about the essence of true manhood.
📖 Episode Resources:
- The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, by Nancy R. Pearcey
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
In our culture, identify is seen as something that each person creates for themselves. But is that really where your identity comes from? Does determining your own identity really set you free?
Scott and Shawn bring the critical subject of identity into their continuing journey to learn to think like Jesus. In this episode, they talk through the inevitable difficulties we face when trying to create our own identity and how we can allow the mind of Jesus to inform and shape where true and lasting identity is found.
📖 Episode Resources:
- The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, by Carl R. Trueman
- Don't Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship, by Thaddeus J. Williams
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Christians often treat singleness as if it is a problem to be solved. But how did Jesus think about singleness? He was, after all, a single man. In this episode, Scott and Shawn work through the four pillars that shaped Jesus’ mind, and they uncover some important and perhaps convicting insights about the place, value, and priority the church should give to living out the Christian life in singleness for the glory of God.
📖 Episode Resources:
- The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church, by Danielle Treweek
- Our episode with Danielle Treweek about Biblical theology, singleness, and marriage
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn continue their thought journey of learning to think like Jesus about marriage by discussing the principles that Christians need to take to heart in order to think like Jesus — whether they are anticipating marriage or have been married for some time. Specifically, Scott and Shawn take a hard look at the most important question about marriage: what did God create marriage for?
📖 Episode Resources:
- Our Bodies Tell God's Story, by Christopher West
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn share how Jesus’ love for the Father and the enabling of the Holy Spirit should inform how Christians approach marriage today — whether you’re a young person anticipating marriage in the future, a single adult waiting or longing to be married, or have been married for years.
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
When people do everything for their own glory, we often perceive them them as being selfish or insecure. But since God does everything for his own glory, does that mean he is selfish or insecure? Shawn and Scott discuss this question as they learn from Scripture how to think like Jesus about the glory of God.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Reflections on the Psalms, by C.S. Lewis
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
The word “glory” is often thrown around in Christian circles. But what is God’s glory? What does the word “glory” even mean? Since glorifying God was and is Jesus’ greatest goal, it is a very important question that we need to answer.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Desiring God, by John Piper
- “Glory of God” podcast series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn confront a critical question in their journey toward thinking like Jesus: “why?” Why did Jesus think the way that he thought? To what end? What was the ultimate goal toward which every thought Jesus had was directed?
📖 Episode Resources:
- God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards, by John Piper
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam may share similar beliefs about God, but there is an irreconcilable difference between the God that each religion claims to worship. Tune in to this encore episode from the archives as Scott and Shawn bring clarity to the question, “Do Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship the same God?”
📖 Episode Resources:
- Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, by Nabeel Qureshi
- “Is the Trinity Practical?” by Scott Stein (a brief explanation of the doctrine of the Trinity)
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn dig into the facts about Old Testament slavery laws and share principles for responding to difficult faith challenges in order to answer the question, “does the Bible condone slavery?”
📖 Episode Resources:
- Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God, by Paul Copan
- Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis, by William J. Webb
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
The Prepared to Answer team and our PTA Go Partners get together to reflect on the year past, the glory of Christmas, and what’s in store for 2025. You can also play along as we hold our own Prepared to Answer version of Family Feud — Scott, Matt, and Mike take on Becca and Julia to figure out the answers to some challenging Christmas themed surveys.
📖 Episode Resources:Prepared to Answer website
So Much More Than Sex seriesDoubters Welcome websiteYouth Pastor Theologian website
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn dig into how God’s grand story (that the Scriptures tell) shaped not just WHAT Jesus thought, but HOW he thought about everything. Tune in to hear biblical examples of this in Jesus’ life and how the Bible’s grand story can transform your own thinking as well.
📖 Episode Resources:
- God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Story-line of the Bible, by Vaughan Roberts
- What Is Biblical Theology?: A Guide to the Bible's Story, Symbolism, and Patterns, by James M. Hamilton Jr.
- Seeing the World as Jesus Sees It series
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn consider the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and thinking, and (by extension) they come to some important conclusions about how the Spirit teaches Christians today.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Knowing Christ by Mark Jones
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn continue to discover what it means to think like Jesus, but run up against some objections to how Jesus could be fully human if he was divine at the same time. If he was truly human, how could he perform miracles or know the future? And if he was God, can he really relate to our human weaknesses and the temptations we face?
📖 Episode Resources:
- Knowing Christ by Mark Jones
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Since Jesus was fully human, that means he needed to learn just like we do. But how could he learn what he needed to know in order to become God’s Messiah and the Saviour of the world? The answer isn’t controversial, but it may surprise you. Join Scott and Shawn as they discover Jesus’ foundation for thinking and why it affects how Christians should think about everything.📖 Episode Resources:
- How to Read the Old Testament Book by Book: A Guided Tour by Gordon D. Fee, Douglas Stuart
- What Is Biblical Theology?: A Guide to the Bible's Story, Symbolism, and Patterns by James M. Hamilton
- Knowing Christ by Mark Jones
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Catch a rare glimpse at some of the exciting things happening in the ministry of Prepared to Answer and hear our vision for what's next in our goal to help the next generation to THINK LIKE JESUS. This is recorded LIVE at our ministry celebration banquet.📖 Episode Resources:
- Prepared to Answer’s resources for group studies
- The Doubters Welcome YouTube channel
- Doubters Welcome 30 Days of Encouragement
- Youth Pastor Theologian’s website
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Find more Christian resources on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our TikTok
Our Website
Scott and Shawn sit down to consider Jesus as our perfect model for how to think and how it could be that learning to think like Jesus is a key to living a transformed life — no matter what questions or uncertainties our changing world may bring our way.
📖 Episode Resources:
- What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible's Story, Symbolism, and Patterns, by James M. Hamilton
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Scott and Shawn discuss the distinctions, merits, and hidden worldview assumptions behind democracy and socialism in order to ask and answer which way Jesus would vote were he living among us in the world today.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Have we in the church allowed tradition and culture to inform us about singleness and marriage rather than Scripture? In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dani Treweek, a post-doctoral theological researcher, author, and speaker with a focus on biblical singleness, sexuality, theological retrieval, and worldview formation. By discussing her application of biblical theology in her research on the biblical meaning of singleness, Dani not only challenges us to re-think our understanding of singleness, but also supplies a real-life illustration of how to think biblically about any topic by viewing it through the lens of the Bible’s grand story.
📖 Episode Resources:
- About Dani Treweek
- The Single-Minded Ministry
- Dani’s blog
- Dani’s book, The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church
- So Much More Than Sex series
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Did you know it is possible for you to follow biblical principles about money (tithing, paying off debt, etc.) while still idolizing money in your heart? In this episode, Shawn shares how, in order to honour God with our money, we need to think like Jesus by looking deeper into our heart’s motivations behind how we manage our finances.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Kingdom Advisors
- So Much More Than Sex series
- “Seinfeld on When Money Became Everything” on the Wealth of Common Sense blog
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Christians can fall into error when thinking about happiness — either adopting a worldly view of happiness that is self-centered or falling into the belief that God doesn’t care about our happiness at all. So, which is it? Does God want you to be happy, or not?
In this episode, join Scott and Shawn as they discover the answer to this question by uncovering:
- what happiness even is
- whether or not people need God in order to be happy
- why God cares about your happiness
- why God also cares about what your happiness is rooted in
- how to pursue a happiness that ultimately glorifies God in your daily living
📖 Episode Resources:
- So Much More Than Sex series
- Episode with Matt (Doubters Welcome) on different types of doubt
- Desiring God by John Piper
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Do you ever wonder how to hear from God? And if you think you’re hearing from him, how do you really know? Scott and Matt meet up to talk about the ways we can know God is speaking to us, and how we can train ourselves to hear him better.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Doubters Welcome YouTube Channel
- So Much More Than Sex Series
Contact Matt through email or on the Doubter’s Welcome website
Follow Doubters Welcome:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
—
💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Our Facebook
Our Instagram
Our Website
Special guest, Matt Bellefeuille from Doubters Welcome, joins us to talk about the four types of doubts Christians can experience and how identifying the root cause of those doubts is a critical step in finding faith-satisfying answers.
📖 Episode Resources:
- Doubters Welcome video resources
- Doubters Welcome YouTube Channel
Contact Matt through email or on the Doubter’s Welcome website
_
Follow Truth Snack:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
—
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Our special guest, Mike McGarry of Youth Pastor Theologian, shares what he thinks today’s Christian teens need most — sound, theological teaching. Mike explains how knowing theology helps teens grow into a faith that will endure the struggles they will face and also responds to common objections to teaching theology in youth ministry.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Youth Pastor Theologian’s Website
- Mike’s Books:
- Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith
- Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers
- A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry
- Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide (contribution)
Follow YPT on their Facebook page or Facebook group, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
In this episode from the archives, Scott and Shawn examine our culture’s prevailing ideas about justice and uncover what lies at the root of true justice, according to God and the Bible.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Confronting Justice without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Why should God get to decide what’s just? And how can God be just if he simply forgives people for their sin when they place their faith in Jesus? How is that fair?
Scott and Shawn dig into the challenging subject of God’s justice and discover that the key to understanding God’s justice is to begin with the question, “What does God deserve?”
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth, by Thaddeus Williams
- Our episode, “Is God a Narcissist? Why God’s Demand for Worship Isn’t Selfish”
- Our episode, “Jesus Teaches on Hell (or Does He?)”
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
If God is completely sovereign over all of his creation, can human beings be free to make real choices? Or, if God does sovereignly determine our choices as well, how can we be held responsible for those choices? Scott and Shawn dive into these difficult questions in an attempt to hold together the tension of these two apparently irreconcilable truths: God’s sovereignty and man’s free choice.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Gen Z and the Draw to Serious Faith”, by Trevin Wax
- What About Free Will? Reconciling Our Choices with God's Sovereignty, by Scott Christensen
- Hand in Hand: The Beauty of God's Sovereignty and Meaningful Human Choice, by Randy Alcorn
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the Show.
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Scott and Shawn tackle the question of why God allowed evil from three important angles. First, what’s a good ‘elevator’ response when someone confronts you with such a challenge but really aren’t giving you the time for a fully developed response? Second, what’s a quick response that’s often given that you should probably avoid? And third, what is the best biblical response to this question that, while maybe not resolving the tension, leaves the questioner to consider the truth about God’s ultimate purpose and destiny for his creation.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Why Did God Allow the Fall?”, James N Anderson
- “If God is Sovereign, Why is His World Full of Suffering?”, John Piper
- “Confronting the Problem of Evil”, Joe Rigney
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
The first commandment God gave Israel was this: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). And the rest of God’s commands and revelations throughout the Bible are consistent with this. God, and only God, is to be worshipped. Only God can get the glory.
But the skeptic looks at this and asks: “If anyone else acted the way God acts, we’d call them a narcissist and accuse them of outright selfishness. Isn’t his demand for worship just a sign of selfish egotism?”In this episode, Scott and Shawn sit down to talk through this objection, looking to God and his word to answer this challenge against God’s character. Tune in and discover that far from an act of selfishness, God’s command that we worship him only is born from his selfless love.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Kristi Burke’s video, “The Inherent Selfishness of the Biblical God”
- “What is the Relationship Between Apologetics and Theology?” by Scott Stein on YPT
- John Piper’s response in his book Life as a Vapor
- “Why Does God Command Us to Worship Him?” by John Piper
- Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
No one can escape the reality of pain and suffering, but, as Christians, Jesus actually promised we’d suffer (John 16:33) and face persecutions for his sake (Mark 10:30). Whether it’s experiencing pain because of the brokenness of sin upon the world or hardships due to our loyalty to Jesus, we will all face suffering in this world to one degree or another. So, how do we ensure our faith endures through them?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn tackle this difficult subject of pain and suffering, but from the standpoint of Jesus’ own experience. Specifically, they probe the Scriptures to see what guided Jesus’ own mind as he journeyed through suffering. What they discover is both inspiring and hopeful.
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Out of necessity during the global COVID pandemic, most churches in countries with mandated restrictions needed to learn how to “do church” online. But even after COVID, this widespread experience of online church has caused many to ask if doing church online presents Christians with a viable alternative to in-person gathering. Could it be that technology presents us with a new way of doing church in which we gather as the church online?
In our final episode of our Dechurching Series, Scott and Shawn see if Scripture can shed some light on an answer, and what that answer might be.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “What Is a Local Church?”, by Jonathan Leeman on 9Marks
- “Is ‘Online Church’ Really Church? The Church as God’s Temple” by Ronald L. Giese on Themelios
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the question of whether or not Christians need to belong to a local church.
People feel the need to leave church for many reasons. Most often it is because the church, as they’ve experienced it, has not measured up to what they expect it to be. Sometimes this is due to churches not being what the church should be, and sometimes this is due to churches not being what we feel they should be. In either case, this is due to the church not measuring up to an ideal. But maybe part of the problem isn’t the church failing to meet the ideal, but our own vision of what that ideal is.
In an era where Christian teaching, worship music, and resources are available to us through so many channels, Scott and Shawn look to the Bible to see if living a Christian life without belonging to an actual church is biblical—or possible!
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
The data over the past several years confirms a steady decline in church attendance and participation, even among committed Christians.
In this episode in our Dechurching series, Scott and Shawn raise awareness about some of the cultural assumptions that may be skewing our perspective about church. For those wondering if being part of a church is necessary, rather than giving reasons for or against, Scott and Shawn take a dive into Scripture to answer a necessary first question: “What is the church?”
If you’re thinking of leaving church behind, tune into this episode to learn about the nature of the church and what it really means. This may help you think more clearly about the role church has, and your place in it.
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Is the church in Canada disappearing? Data collected by StatsCan over the past thirty years shows a steady decline in church attendance among Canadians. And the years over COVID accelerated that trend even further. But what is driving this trend? Who are the people foregoing church? And what does this indicate for the future of Christianity in Canada?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn begin looking at this de-churching phenomenon that is transforming the religious landscape of the west. They look at who are de-churching, and what reasons are being given by those who used to regularly attend and participate in church life, but no longer do.
This is the first episode in our series on “De-Churching”. Our goal is to help you understand what is happening in the church, how Christians should respond, and what we should expect to see happen for this trend to be reversed.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Religiosity of Canadians”, Stats Canada
- The Great DeChurching, by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, With Ryan P. Burge
- “Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults”, LifeWay Research
- “10 Reasons Church Attendance Is Declining (Even for Committed Christians”, by Carey Nieuwhof
- “New American Bible Society Study: Gen Z Exhibits Significant Openness to Scripture”, American Bible Society
- “Study: Gen Z Wants to Know More About Jesus”, Christianity Today
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
For decades now, church attendance has been in decline. And after COVID, many people are not returning to church.
But let’s face it. Most churches now do a great job of delivering Sunday service online. And through the internet we have easy access to a super-abundance of worship, teaching, and discipleship resources that we used to only get from church.
There is also the reality for many who, for one reason or another, have had negative or even hurtful church experiences. For these, church has become a very negative thing.
This raises the question: Do we really even need churches to be a Christian?
In this encore episode, Scott and Shawn tackle this very relevant question by discussing:
- The distinction between our experience of church and what the church is.
- Understanding the relationship between Christians “doing” church and “being” the church.
- The New Testament vision of the church as a “family”.
- How Jesus relates to his church, and the implications this has for us.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
In 2015, The Pew Research Center reported that for every individual who becomes a Christian four leave (source).
More recently a chain of very public and prominent Christians has emerged, declaring that they too have decided to leave Christianity.
What are we to make of such phenomena, and how should we react to them?
In this encore episode pulled from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn discuss the seemingly growing trend of “deconversion” stories, asking some pointed and important questions:
- What are the causes behind decisions to deconvert from Christianity?
- What sorts of things contribute toward the likelihood that someone might deconvert?
- Are deconversion stories necessarily all bad? Are there some positive lessons that we can take away?
- And, how should we react? Are deconversions final, or is there still hope?
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Matt from Truth Snack talks about his doubt journey
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
We invite you to our annual Christmas Wrap-up. Meet our team and listen in as we talk about the highlights of 2023, share our favourite parts of the Christmas story, and challenge each other with some Christmas Story Trivia.
As Christmas approaches, we remember that Jesus is the hope of the world. Forgiveness of sin and peace with God is for everyone who puts their trust in him. This is why we do what we do to help Christians stand firm in their faith and witness for Jesus!
From our PTA family to yours, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and cherished memories!
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- “Encountering God” series, by Truth Snack
- Truth Snack YouTube Channel
- “So Much More Than Sex” series, coming soon by Prepared to Answer
- Youth Pastor Theologian’s website
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Why does the Bible give us so many warnings about sexual immorality? Does God truly care? Scott welcomes Dr. Kirk Durston to delve into this critical topic. Dr. Kirk's expertise in biophysics, education, and Christian ministry provides profound insights into the biblical discussion surrounding sexuality.
This captivating discussion explores the intertwined relationship between the body and the soul. Dr. Kirk unveils how lust and passion have the power to turn the body against the soul, leading to spiritual warfare within ourselves.
Dr. Kirk suggests that what we witness in our culture today may be the prolonged scream of humanity losing its soul. This eye-opening revelation highlights the urgency of understanding why God warns us so clearly and frequently against sexual immorality.
Join us in this transformative conversation about sexual immorality, spiritual warfare, and the battle for the soul. Gain a deeper understanding of the battle against sexual sin and the importance of nurturing a strong Christian identity.
—
📖 Recommended Resources:
- Kirk’s website
- “Sex and the War Against the Human Soul” by Kirk Durston
- “Quest for a Beautiful Mind” video by Kirk Durston
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, by Christopher Yuan
- Love Thy Body, by Nancy Pearcey
- The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
How can we place our sexual attractions into a biblical context?
Listen in as Scott and Shawn challenge the modern trend to use sexual orientation as the framework that defines us. They tackle the problem that our modern, secular notion of sexual orientation is a virtual catch-all for who and what we are.
They go on to encourage Christians to stop using aspects of our fallen nature for describing our identity in Christ. Rather, to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
Sexual orientation does not define us. Join Scott and Shawn as they focus on claiming our identity in Christ.
—
📖 Recommended Resources:
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, by Christopher Yuan
- The Holy Sexuality Project
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
What's the Deal with Sexual Orientation? Is there really such a thing as a heterosexual, homosexual, or even a bisexual person?
Have you ever questioned the seemingly obvious answers?
In this episode, we delve into the perplexing world of sexual orientation. Scott and Shawn challenge us to stop and ask: Why does it feel so natural to label people as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual? When and how did sexual orientation become such a clear and fixed category in our minds such that the question itself just makes sense to us? Is sexual orientation really a core, fixed, and essential aspect of human nature?
Join Scott and Shawn as they dive into these really important questions, you might find some unexpected conclusions. Listen now!
—
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Invention of Heterosexuality, by Jonathan Ned Katz
- The History of Sexuality: An Introduction, by Michel Foucault
- “Sexual Matters: On Conceptualizing Sexuality in History,” by Robert A. Padgug
- The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, by Carl R. Trueman
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, by Christopher Yuan
- “What Is the Opposite of Homosexuality? Why Marriage Is Not My Mission”, by Christopher Yuan
- Openness Unhindered, by Rosaria Butterfield
- “A Safe Place for Sexual Sinners”, by Phillip Holmes, featuring Rosaria Butterfield
- “Against Heterosexuality”, by Michael W. Hannon
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Our culture is obsessed with sex, and Christians are not immune from its impact. Records show that internet porn sites receive more online traffic than ‘X’ (Twitter), Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest, and LinkedIn combined.
Living in such a culture means that Christian young people especially are feeling pressure and asking questions never imagined by previous generations. So, we can’t be squeamish. For Millennials and Gen ‘Z’ believers, questions about sexuality saturate their everyday reality. We need to talk about sex!
In this first of a series of episodes about sexuality, Scott and Shawn begin by looking at some of the foundational ideas behind our culture’s sex obsession. They talk about the difference that a biblical view of sexuality makes and warn about some impacts we can expect which highlight the church’s need to address the subject of sex thoughtfully, graciously, and above all biblically.
Join Scott and Shawn for this important conversation to help Christians begin thinking biblically about sex.
—
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, by Carl R. Trueman
- Love Thy Body, by Nancy Pearcey
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Christians can sometimes be accused of cherry picking the Bible, especially from among Old Testament laws and commands. For example, quoting commands that prohibit homosexual behaviour (Leviticus 18:22), but then completely ignoring commands that prohibit weaving two different fabrics together. (Leviticus 19:19).
In truth, Christians can be guilty of selective Bible reading. We dismiss some commands as no longer applicable while affirming others as still binding without really knowing or explaining why. When we do, it does tend to look like we're just picking the commands that reflect the values we already hold.
The solution is to allow the Bible to speak for itself.
In this throw-back episode, Scott and Shawn discuss three principles to use to determine from the Bible when to consider laws or commandments as particular to Israel, and only for a time in the past, and when to take them as universal for all people in all places and for all times.
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
“The church is too judgmental… I’m done with it.”
Starting with the exit of young people from the church, Scott and Shawn take a close look at the criticism. It’s pretty common to hear young people express disdain for the judgments the church brings down on their generation. Is the church really too judgmental? Does the church even have a role in judging?
Scott and Shawn launch into the discussion by taking us through a better understanding of shifts happening in our culture; from belief to skepticism. Then they unravel some of the theological drift happening in churches. The Greek word we translate to mean “judge” had a different meaning in the original.
To sum it all up, they go back to Jesus, looking at what he tells his disciples to do. To judge or not to judge… that is the question. You might be caught in the judgment cycle or feel the tension of judgment and critique. Watch now… and let us know what you think.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
“What Does Deconstruction Even Mean?” by John Bloom
⭐ Get access to “So Much More Than Sex” — a video-based Bible Study Series for young adults that is focused on rediscovering God’s eternal purpose for human sexuality.
Support the show
🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or subscribe on YouTube and hit that notification bell to get notified whenever we post new content
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Are we living in the end times? The Bible tells us that wars, rumours of war, earthquakes and abnormal weather events will be the signs of the coming of the end.
Scott and Shawn take a closer look at what Jesus said about the last days before his return. He told his disciples to be on their guard, for no one knows the exact time of Jesus return.
Today, we see wars, growing international conflict, persecution, social and political unrest, and natural disasters. Are these signs of Jesus soon return? And if so, what should we do about it?
Listen in with Scott and Shawn to learn how we can live with the end so near.
📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:
“Can that be Right? The Use of Old Testament Prophecy in the New Testament”, by Kevin DeYoung
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Jesus challenged the norm by saying to love as God loves is to love our enemies and those who hate us.
Scott and Shawn work through Jesus’ teaching in the context of real-life examples and the Scripture. Corrie ten Boom, who lived an extraordinary life of forgiveness and love, was dumbfounded when her sister forgave the man who put the entire family in prison. Loving as Jesus loved is impossible—we can’t do it on our own.
How can we love our enemies?
Scott and Shawn give practical examples of loving your enemy and living out the hard teachings of Jesus.
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
In Matthew, Jesus says He did not come to abolish the Old Testament Law, but to fulfill them.
Some popular pastors like Andy Stanley think Christians should distance themselves from the Old Testament, as if its commandments are no longer applicable for Christians.
Scott and Shawn discuss the place of the Old Testament and Moses’ Law in understanding the full truth of Jesus. Should we continue to keep the 613 laws set out in Leviticus?
The truth is that Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount goes far beyond Old Testament laws. Join Scott and Shawn as they work through the Scriptures and the place of the Old Testament law in our lives.
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Jesus claims “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” In a world of pluralism, where even Christians often believe there are many ways to God, Jesus offers a clear understanding of knowing God in profound ways. It can be confusing to understand Jesus within a culture that believes there are many paths to heaven.
Whether you’re looking for answers or deepening your own faith, be prepared to answer how to find the path to eternal life.
Don’t forget to comment and share this video. Join the discussion.
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 7:21)
Is it really possible to go through your entire life believing you’re a Christian, only to find out when it’s too late that you were wrong? Jesus seems to be warning exactly that.
As critical theory continues to march through Western culture, Christians must face hard choices between conformity to the world and conformity to Christ. But to what extent? How much does Jesus ask of us to follow him? With cultural conflicts all around us, how can we tell if we’re really and truly on the side of Jesus?
Do you know what it truly means to be a Christian? Are you certain that you really are Jesus’ disciple? The stakes are too high to ignore such a critical question!
Join Scott and Shawn as they examine the life and teaching of Jesus to understand the true cost and marks of being a disciple. Learn from Jesus himself what it means to call him “Lord”, and truly belong to him.
📖 Read the book - Discipleship: What It Truly Means to Be a Christian-Collected Insights from A. W. Tozer
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Is Hell real? Or a myth? Judgement, punishment and hell are concepts that seem wrong in the context of a loving God and compassionate Jesus. Scott and Shawn open the Bible and study Jesus’ teachings about life after death and the reality of eternal punishment.
You might think about Hell with imagery: a lake of fire; heavy darkness; unending suffering. The Bible talks about the narrow road to heaven and the wide road to Hell. Is any of this true? Scott and Shawn work through the words of Jesus to help us understand the concept of eternal punishment in the context of the glory of God.
Listen today to discover what Jesus had to say about hell.
Resources to help you study about God’s holiness:
- John Piper, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
- Kevin DeYoung: The Hole in our Holiness
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
- R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God
- Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
The Bible has a lot to say about sin, the nature of sin, and the impact of sin. Taking a deep dive into the doctrine of original sin and atonement, Scott and Shawn explore the hard teachings of Jesus and the Biblical perspective of sin and atonement. Gain insights to the complex doctrines of sin and atonement in language and illustrations you can understand—and explain to others.
Sin matters. Original sin impacts each of us. Join Scott and Shawn as they take you through one of the hardest teachings of Jesus.
Listen to our Deconstructing Faith Series here
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more on our website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Jesus did claim to be God. Both Old and New Testament Bible verses give proof to Jesus’ claim to be the son of God. We’ll unravel the prophecies and Biblical truths affirming Jesus as God. Discover the arguments against the deity of Christ and how to clearly explain Christ in today’s world.
Be sure that, as God, Jesus is Creator and Saviour – so much more than just a good guy who lived an exemplary life.
To find the resources mentioned in this episode, go to our episode web page
Support the show🔔 Follow for More Prepared to Answer
Learn more about Jesus, our God and Saviour here
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
It’s becoming harder and harder for young Christians to stand firm in their faith. So how can we train and equip them for confident faith and witness? Scott talks with Mike McGarry from Youth Pastor Theologian to discuss how theology and apologetics work together as essential ingredients for discipling the next generation. You can find the resources mentioned in this episode through our episode web page.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Overcast
Stay connected! 🔗
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Support the show
Every day we are inundated with news or opinions on every matter from every part of the world via social media. As Christians, does God want us to add our voices to every weighty matter that crosses our plate online? Scott and Matt talk about how Christians should wisely engage with social media.
For related resources, visit our episode web page
To see more of Matt’s resources, visit the Truth Snack YouTube channel
Support the show
Introducing PTA Go! Matt recalls the way God answered his prayers through an awkward video call, Mike shares how God is using PTA Go to mobilize his ministry, and Shawn and Scott recall how God gave them the vision to mobilize other like-minded ministries by starting the PTA Go initiative.
Learn more about the PTA Go initiative on our website
Follow Matt Bellefeuille’s ministry Truth Snack on YouTube
Follow Mike McGarry’s ministry Youth Pastor Theologian on the YPT website
Watch the Truth Snack video series, Faith Doubt, and Everything in Between
Support the show
Meet our newest PTA Go team member, Mike McGarry, and his ministry, Youth Pastor Theologian (YPT). You’ll hear Mike’s story of how God stirred him to begin YPT in order to help youth ministry workers teach theologically with confidence.
Find YPT’s resources:
- YPT Facebook Group
- YPT Website and Blog
- YPT Podcast
For related resources, check out our website
Support the show
A major objection to Christianity, especially among young people and young Christians, is the notion that Christianity is the only way. So how should those who are struggling with their faith navigate through their faith deconstruction / reconstruction experience in light of these challenges? In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss. Visit the episode web page for resources mentioned in the episode.
Support the show
In the media, we see battles rage over freedoms, rights, government control, the environment, etc. But should Christians take sides in these battles? Scott and Shawn dive into the Christian’s place and role in the midst of a culture at war. Resources mentioned in the episode can be found on our episode web page.
Support the show
Is MAiD truly providing the solution to suffering that people need? Scott and Shawn look at MAiD from the Christian’s perspective in order to understand the key issues at stake, as well as to think through how the church of Jesus should respond. Resources mentioned in the episode can be found on our episode web page.
Support the show
Scott and Shawn discuss the issue of abortion and ask: Is the Bible even clear about abortion? How should Christians respond when criticized for being pro-life? And what should we be doing about abortion? Resources mentioned in the episode can be found on our episode web page.
Support the show
Scott and Shawn discuss the difficult realities of racial alienation in our culture today, and how we as Christians ought to think about and respond to them. To find links to the books and resources mentioned in this episode, visit our episode web page.
Support the show
Scott and Shawn tackle this difficult but important question—the answer to which has the potential to re-define the gospel itself. To find the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the episode page on our website.
Support the show
Scott and Shawn turn to the Bible to learn how to prepare for the confrontations that come when Christians hold to God’s truth about sex—in a world that disagrees. Find the resources mentioned in this episode on our website.
Support the show
Meet the whole Prepared to Answer team, hear some ministry highlights from this year, and hear a bit of what’s in store for 2023 (and we’ll have a little fun sharing from the lighter side of our own Christmas memories). See related resources at https://preparedtoanswer.org/
Support the show
Scott and Shawn discuss the distinctions, merits, and hidden worldview assumptions behind democracy and socialism in order to ask and answer which way Jesus would vote were he living among us in the world today. Related resources can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/3Y1DSaH
Support the show
It seems as if everyone is fighting for social justice today, Christians included. Ironically, you can often find people standing for justice while fighting for opposing causes. And you can see how easily this can happen. After all, no one would ever say that they’re against justice. The real question then isn’t whether you’re in favour of justice. The real question is whose justice do you favour?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the subject of social justice to help Christians find an answer. Beginning with a look at our culture’s prevailing ideas about justice, they turn to scripture to uncover what lies at the root of true justice as revealed by God’s Word.
See related resources on our website: https://preparedtoanswer.org/
Read Confronting Justice without Compromising Truth
Support the show
It seems freedom of speech is on everyone’s minds these days. Whether it’s mobs protesting at university lecture halls, selective Facebook algorithms, or frozen Twitter accounts, the prevailing concern in our culture today is that we’re losing our rights to express ourselves freely.
But is freedom of speech a God given right?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the subject of free speech in order to better understand its historic roots. They also look at the more recent movements of our cancel culture to restrict free speech, it’s potential impact on gospel proclamation and witness, as well as instruction from Scripture on how Christians should respond when our speech comes under attack.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast/9163-is-free-speech-biblical?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=free-speech_2022-11-08
Support the show
Have you been cancelling people?
The challenge of following Jesus in a cancel culture isn’t just the risk of being cancelled. There’s an equal, and perhaps even more spiritually dangerous risk of being lured into adopting the cultural attitudes and methods that fuel cancel culture as well. We must be prepared for both.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn continue discussing the impact that cancel culture is having on society, and the real dangers this presents to the church. By exploring some real-life test cases of people who’ve been cancelled, they identify the spiritual posture that lies at the root of cancelation, and the biblical principles that can guide us into showing our world the alternative way of Jesus.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast/9151-how-to-respond-to-cancel-culture
Support the show
The Cambridge dictionary defines cancel culture as “a way of behaving in a society or group, especially on social media, in which it is common to completely reject and stop supporting someone because they have said or done something that offends you.”
In this first episode in our Cancel Culture Series, Shawn and Scott look at and analyse the effects of cancel culture evident in our world. Listen as they identify some of the key characteristics of cancel culture that show it to be a new and troubling societal trend. And as they point out where Christians should be vigilant against falling into some of the thinking and spirit behind cancel culture that stand against the way of Jesus.
Visit our website for related resources: https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast/9146-christians-in-a-cancel-culture-pt-1-cancel-culture-series
Support the show
Can someone be born in the wrong body? Questions like this one are difficult to address. In part because while hypothetical, they touch on a subject that is deeply personal and often painful for some people. What also makes them difficult to address is because what lies behind them aren’t just a few unknown facts, but the many beliefs that shape the way that we view the world itself.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss this difficult but important question, covering important topics such as:
- What insight or clarity can science give us?
- How should we respond to the real experiences that people have of feeling at odds with their gendered bodies?
- How does the Bible help us interpret the feeling of a person who may feel like they’re trapped in the wrong body?
- What about those who are born with intersex conditions?
- How does Jesus help us to secure our sense of identity?
- And what can the church do to help those who may be struggling with feeling like they’re trapped in the wrong body?
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/gender-identity/can-someone-be-born-in-the-wrong-body-episode-5/
Support the show
Have you ever thought that everything in social debate these days revolves around race, gender, and identity? The influence of “Critical Theory” has played a large part in this and has shaped the mindset of many in our culture.
Join Scott and Shawn in this encore podcast episode as they explore the impact of Critical Theory on our culture—and how Christians should react.
For related resources, visit https://bit.ly/3BsLGZH
Support the show
On July 12, 2022, Jordan Peterson posted a video on his YouTube channel entitled: “Message to the Christian Churches”. In essence, it was a message for the Christian church to pick up the ball dropped by western culture by calling young men back to the rightful pursuit of their life’s purpose as men.
Given Peterson’s cultural impact, as well as his influence upon Christians, Scott and Matt sit down to analyze (for good and bad) Jordan’s message to the church. Listen in to this podcast episode to join the discussion.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/what-can-christians-learn-from-jordan-peterson/
Support the show
Do you ever wonder how to hear from God? Should you expect to hear an audible voice? And does God only speak to us through the Bible? If you think you’re hearing from him, how do you really know?
Many of us are convinced that God does speak to us. But, we just aren’t sure how we’re supposed to hear him or know for sure what he’s telling us.
In this podcast, Scott and Matt meet up to talk about the ways we can know God is speaking to us, and how we can train ourselves to hear him better. Listen in as they discuss:
- How determining if God is actually speaking to us means that we need to know how it is that God speaks in the first place.
- How the Bible, as God’s Word, not only reveals to us what God says, but also gives us insight into other ways that he can and may speak to us as well.
- How learning about God’s character and why he speaks at all is essential to learning how to hear God’s voice.
- How important it is to examine our own hearts and ask why it is we want God to speak in the first place before determining if God is speaking.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-god-speaking-to-me/
Support the show
“Come heed me, my brothers, come heed, one and all
Don't brag about standing or you’ll surely fall
You're shining your light and shine it you should
But you’re so heavenly minded, you’re no earthly good”
Johnny Cash – from his song No Earthly Good
Did the man in black have it right? Are Christians sometimes too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good?
In the last episode in our Deconstructing Faith series, we take a look at the criticism that is sometimes leveled at Christians that they can be too concerned about getting people to heaven and not concerned enough about caring for the people around them.
Join Scott and Shawn as they attempt to answer the questions:
- Is this criticism of Christianity fair?
- If it isn’t fair then what is the true focus of Christianity? Is it getting people to heaven or helping those around us on earth?
Visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/are-christians-too-heavenly-minded-to-be-of-any-earthly-good/ for related resources.
Support the show
Is the Bible just a book of moral rules? Is God just interested in us following his commandments? Some people describe their church upbringing as if the answer to both questions is “yes”. But how can a faith based on what the Bible calls “good news” be about nothing more than following God’s moral commands? What about love, and grace, and forgiveness, and joy?
This episode investigates the charge often leveled that Christians today have made Christianity all about right morality, and not enough about simply loving people the way that Jesus did.
In response, Scott and Shawn dig into the Bible to find out exactly how Jesus loved people, and how he related his love for them to the moral commandments of God.
If you would describe your Christian experience as little more than dreary rule following, then this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/are-christians-too-concerned-with-morality/
Support the show
It can be very painful when a Christian brother or sister sins against us. But when that person is in a position of church leadership, it can be potentially devastating to our faith.
In our last podcast episode, we spoke about the importance of church leadership, and how spiritual authority in the church is God’s gift intended for our protection and growth. However, while leadership is a gift from God, church leaders are not above sinning. And when their sin wounds us personally, it can be difficult to know how to move forward.
It should go without saying that forgiveness should be the hallmark of every Christian and the church community (See Matthew 6:12-14; 18:21-35; Colossians 3:13). But when those charged with the shepherding of God’s sheep are the ones who sin, the pathway to forgiveness and healing is not always so cut and dry.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the Bible and discover the principles God gives us for dealing with sins that Christians commit against each other. From there, they build on those principles, working through several case studies to address the issues and considerations involved when it may be church leaders whose sin we need to forgive.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/what-if-ive-been-hurt-by-a-church-leader/
Support the show
It is a sad and grievous thing when those placed in positions of authority within the church betray the trust placed in them. Stories of abuse, corruption, or moral failure by church leaders have left countless scars.
So, it’s no surprise that polling groups like Gallup report lowering trust levels of pastors and clergy. Clearly, there are some real problems to be addressed. But is putting people into positions of church authority one of them?
In this episode, Shawn and Scott tackle this important subject of church authority and its abuses. Listen as they discuss:
- The importance of authority as a necessity for maintaining equality and avoiding chaos.
- God as the source of all true authority.
- How to identify truly good and healthy church authority
Visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/arent-church-authority-structures-harmful/ for related resources.
Support the show
A major objection to Christianity, especially among young people and young Christians, is the notion that Christianity is the only way.
On the one hand, in many circles Christians have become narrow minded. Many churches have “shrunk” the gospel and have nothing relevant to say to real-life issues like poverty, mental illness, or the environment.
But on the other hand, some deceptive hypocrisies have penetrated our social consciousness creating a value for “open-mindedness” that isn’t really open-minded at all.
So how should those who are struggling with their faith navigate through their faith de-construction / re-construction experience in light of these challenges?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss
- The importance of not conflating the environment of your faith with the substance of your faith
- The growing movement among “progressive Christians” attempting to re-make the substance of Christian faith into a “spiritual journey”
- The means toward recovering your faith (the faith) driven by the understanding of what the Bible presents itself to be and God's revelation about himself
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-can-christianity-claim-to-be-the-only-way-to-god
Support the show
Do Christians always think they're right? Is pursuing certainty in belief a sign of arrogance?
One of the challenges that Christians who are going through the deconstruction process are facing, is the real feeling of discomfort with how out of step Christians are with the sentiments and values of our culture.
There's a real opposition in the cultural mindset toward the claims of Christianity that Christians have to overcome. This isn't easy.
Christians who are struggling with faith doubts and the discomfort of trying to uphold an exclusive truth claim in the conflicting reality of our cultural landscape need some helpful insights to consider.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss
- The importance of identifying the source of the discomfort
- Identifying religious pluralism's hidden exclusive religious claims
- How the modern and postmodern views of knowledge both fall short in their approach to knowledge
- Why the core essence of the Christian faith excludes any notions of presumptive arrogance
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-it-wrong-to-think-im-right
Support the show
Wouldn't we all be better of to let people feel free to believe what they want and just agree to get along? There's no need to get so tied up with the particulars of what we believe. We should just follow the golden rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you!
This case is often made by those deconstructing their faith.
The common thread throughout our discussion on faith deconstruction so far has been that "The journey to recovering your faith, is about recovering the faith." Undergirding this key aim is understanding that right belief and right behaviour are inextricably linked in the quest to discover the faith.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss
- The relationship between right belief and right behaviour and why Christianity is not just behaviour modification
- What ultimately determines how we apply the golden rule
- A helpful principle to live by when it comes to responding to primary issues vs secondary issues of the Christian faith
- The real reason why Jesus came to die and how this relates to both the core of Christianity and how we live out the Christian faith toward others
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-being-loving-more-important-than-being-right
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christians are so judgmental, especially about those who are LGBTQ!
Don't judge, lest you be judged!
We've all heard these objections before. Yet aren't these objections themselves making a judgment? Statements like these need to be open to scrutiny as well, since no one has an objective perspective or neutral position from which to make moral pronouncements.
Why should Christians be concerned about judgmentalism? Because in the context of faith deconstruction, this issue has become a key consideration in the struggle of those attempting to hold on to their Christian faith. And it especially represents the concerns of a new generation questioning the Christian faith.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss
- The cultural shift in thinking that has led to a skeptical perspective on truth claims
- The theological drift that has contributed to Christians developing a judgmental spirit
- What "judging" really means and the problem in how we use the term
- What Jesus said that helps us definitively determine whether Christians should be pointing out sin
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-it-judgmental-to-point-out-sin
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Faith deconstruction is not necessarily a bad thing.
If your past experience has not been a biblical Christian experience but was just a distortion of true Christianity, then deconstruction and reconstruction is exactly what needs to happen.
For the reconstruction process, it’s important to remember the principle that “To recover your faith, you need to recover the faith.” To do this, a clear understanding of three key areas is necessary:
- Who God is
- Who we are
- What sin is
In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn discuss
- A young man’s real-life story about his experience with Christianity and the challenge of a distorted view of biblical faith in these three key areas
- How to begin deconstructing caricatures of Christianity and reconstruct a biblical view of God and ourselves
- What the essence of sin is and how it impacts our experience as humans
- How we can talk about sin to others in a way that helps and doesn’t hinder
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-talking-about-sin-harmful
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Did you catch the previous episode in the series, Deconstructing Faith: Series Introduction?
Why ask this question - is it even relevant? Those who are in the process of faith deconstruction today often point to church experiences that overemphasized the importance of right belief, but didn't place much value on real-world application. They prioritized what we believe over the way we live.
But this experience has led some people to an overreaction that would say that Christianity is all about right living.
So how should we understand these two positions? Is living like Jesus more important than believing the right things?
In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn talk about
- What is the relationship between right living and right belief?
- How does understanding this relationship between the two help someone going through faith deconstruction?
- What's the bottom line when it comes to who Jesus is and what's the relevance in the real world?
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/isnt-living-like-jesus-more-important-than-worshipping-jesus
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Many Christians are finding themselves wrestling with difficult questions or deep doubts about their Christian faith. In the face of this, there tend to be two extreme reactions:
- Some choose to simply bury, ignore, or deny these doubts and questions.
- Others take the road of skeptical agnosticism and decide that since there are so many doubts and questions, true belief isn’t even a realistic goal, so what’s the point?
In this series, we want to provide you with a guide to help you successfully navigate questions and doubts about the Christian faith and help others to do the same.
In this introductory podcast episode, Scott and Shawn talk about
- What exactly is faith deconstruction and how is it related to deconversion?
- What is Progressive Christianity?
- What are the essentials of the Christian faith and how do we determine who's right about them?
Episode Resources
- Article: What Does "Deconstruction" Even Mean? (Jon Bloom)
- Book: Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity (Alisa Childers)
- Video: My Story of Doubt and Deconstruction (Matt Bellefeuille / Truth Snack)
For more related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/deconstructing-faith-series-introduction
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Sometimes life can seem so unfair. We face suffering that we feel we don't deserve, or are deprived of the good that we feel we do deserve. The seeming unfairness of life can challenge our faith like nothing else.
Why does God allow such injustices? Why can wicked people sometimes get away with murder, while good people are left to languish with affliction?
In this blog audio, we look at some of the wisdom that St. Augustine uncovered from his deep study of Scripture, and his own experiences in life. In it, we find some timeless and important counsel for girding our own faith.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/why-do-bad-people-prosper-and-good-people-suffer-insights-from-st-augustine-in-the-city-of-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Biblical inerrancy means that the Bible does not err on any truth claim that it makes. This has become an extremely important issue for Christians today as more and more skeptical voices in our culture cast doubts on the trustworthiness of the Bible.
In this episode, we welcome Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist. He specializes in the study of how the New Testament was transmitted and preserved through the centuries since Jesus walked the earth.
We’ve enlisted Wesley’s help to discuss some of the important issues related to Biblical inerrancy highlighted in the article, Does the Bible Contain Mistakes?
In the episode, Scott and Wes discuss
- What is "inerrancy" as it relates to the Bible?
- What's the difference between Biblical inspiration vs inerrancy?
- Are there mistakes in the Bible?
- How should we answer Bible skeptics?
For related resources and book recommendations, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/has-gods-word-been-lost-over-time-episode-9
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Does someone's Christian upbringing makes them incapable of knowing whether the facts of Christianity are true or not? After all, Christianity is the only religion they've ever known.
In this episode, Scott discusses
- What Bulverism is and the importance of addressing its logical error when responding
- The role of well-placed questions in helping think through assumptions
- Recommended resources to help others evaluate the truth claims of Christianity
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/qa-youre-a-christian-only-because-you-were-born-in-a-christian-family-podcast-episode-3
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
"There's no evidence that God exists!"
What do you do when someone confronts you with a challenge like this? How do you answer when you're not an expert in science, archeology, or world religions?
In this recording from a live talk, Scott discusses
- Three principles to help you engage when encountering difficult questions
- How to maintain a winsome attitude and avoid the trap of getting defensive or argumentative
- Tips for asking specific probing questions that challenge assumptions and disarm hostile confrontations
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/sharing-your-faith-when-you-dont-have-all-the-answers
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Every year when Christmas rolls around, we start seeing the Christmas story featured on cards and magazines at the checkout counter. A question then often comes up this time of year: Is the Christmas story actually historical or is it just a myth?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss this big question and some of the information presented in the gospels to address some common objections:
- What should we make of the differences in the four gospel accounts – aren’t there contradictions?
- What about the differences in genealogies between Matthew and Luke?
- Weren’t the gospel accounts written too late to be considered historical?
- How can we even evaluate the supernatural aspect of the accounts?
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/is-the-christmas-story-a-myth
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
How do you process doubts and insecurities that creep in and gnaw away at the solid foundation of faith you were firmly anchored to? And how do you respond to emotionally charged challenges to your faith, such when others question the goodness of the Christianity you profess?
In this full-length recording of a live talk, Scott covers
- How to recognize two different types of doubts and the role that doubt plays in finding answers - for yourself and others
- The importance of testing the strength of worldview beliefs
- How to prepare yourself to answer faith challenges and become an effective responder to questioners
- Relevant scenarios to help equip you with example thought-provoking talking points for real-life conversations
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/facing-doubts-with-confidence-and-grace
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Are you wrestling with a personal faith challenge? Or maybe facing tough faith challenges from others? In both cases, you’ll need to be able to guard your faith.
We’ll help you prepare to confidently tackle tough questions and fearlessly deal with skepticism and doubt, whether it’s in your own walk or in conversations with others.
In this excerpt from a live talk, Scott covers
- How to recognize two different types of doubts and which is more prevalent today
- The positive role that doubt can play in your faith walk
- What the ultimate foundation of knowledge needs to be
- How to prepare yourself to answer faith challenges and become an effective responder and ambassador for Christ
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/things-to-consider-when-doubting-your-faith
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
“I’m open to the idea of God, but I can’t believe something, unless I can prove it scientifically.”
In our culture, science is put forward as perhaps the most secure foundation of knowledge. Often it’s set in contradiction to faith.
How would you answer a question like this? What if you don’t know a lot of scientific arguments?
In this excerpt from a live event, Scott covers
- The importance of testing the strength of worldview beliefs
- Why you don’t need to come up with scientific evidence for God when challenging a scientific worldview
- Suggested questions you can ask someone to help them think through their underlying worldview assumptions, including the assumptions that science rests on
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/if-science-cant-prove-it-i-cant-believe-it
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
More recently, there have been many examples of notable Christians--be they musicians, writers, speakers, or pastors--who have publicly announced their "de-conversion" from Christianity.
In thinking through the issues around deconversion and our response, here are three things worth considering.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-should-christians-react-to-deconversions/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
What if someone approached you and asked, "How can Christianity be good? Look at the oppression committed by Christianity in the residential schools tragedies! "
What would you say? How do we as Christians respond to an emotionally charged challenge like this? We can't get away from it.
In this excerpt from a live event, Scott covers
- Ways to think through the question, including the underlying key issue behind the question
- A practical conversation scenario to help you prepare for a response in real life
- Suggested pointers for steering the conversation towards Christ and the gospel
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/what-to-say-when-christianity-is-blamed-for-residential-schools/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Why does the prevailing narrative in our culture unkindly portray Christianity as a problem? What's the cause behind this?
In this Q&A excerpt from a live event, Scott covers
- The two main driving factors behind this current phenomenon
- The mood about the historical role of Christianity in the West and the attempt to reconstruct society today
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/why-is-there-a-determined-effort-to-dismiss-christianity/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Jesus wants us to see his glory. But what about when we do behold his glory?
What does seeing the glory of God say about God? About us? What difference does it all make in the end?
Hear Scott as he unpacks the fifth and final installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, “What Difference Does Seeing the glory of God Make?”
You’ll learn
- The cause behind being able to see the glory of God
- Why someone can behold God's glory, while someone else can't
- The consequence of looking at his glory
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/what-difference-does-seeing-the-glory-of-god-make
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
There’s no greater vision of God’s glory to be had in this world than what God has shown us in the person of Jesus. That’s why Jesus wants us to see his glory.
But how do we see the glory of Jesus who is the glory of God revealed?
Hear Scott as he unpacks the fourth installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, “How can we see the glory of God?”
You’ll learn
- How the picture of a telescope can help you understand how to see the glory of God
- The powerful, eternal role of the cross in revealing God’s glory and empowering us to see it
- Key implications and resources on the journey to seeing God’s glory
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/how-do-we-see-the-glory-of-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
You’ve probably heard someone say, “I will believe in Jesus if he appears right here, right now!”
Upon hearing that, you probably wished God would just show himself right then in all his glory, just to silence that person and cause them to finally believe!
And yet as the Bible teaches, though seeing we don’t always “see”. Visual data doesn’t necessarily translate into belief because we see through our eyes, but we see with our minds.
When he was on earth, Jesus prayed that we would see his glory. This was his last prayer for us.
So where can we see his glory? Can we see it now? Or is it only “in the sweet by and by”?
Listen to Scott as he unpacks the third installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, “Where can we see God’s glory?”
He covers
- The difference between seeing with our eyes vs seeing with our mind.
- What did Moses really see when God revealed His glory?
- How Jesus and the gospel reveal the glory of God.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/where-do-we-see-the-glory-of-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
What does the word “glory” mean? We often use it in worship songs and even to name things like muffins.
But what does glory really mean?
It’s difficult to pin down – especially when it comes to God’s glory. How do we the finite define the infinite in terms of his glory?
While it’s true that we on our own can’t grasp God, there are things we can humbly and gratefully know about God, because he himself has revealed them to us.
His glory is one of them.
In this second installment of The Glory of God Series, a live event recording, Scott continues exploring the topic of God’s glory. He focuses on the important question, “What kind of thing is the glory of God?”
It covers
- How to approach trying to understand God’s glory and the two extremes to avoid
- How the nature of something we’re trying to know determines how we can know it
- What God revealed to Moses and how that revelation helps us understand God’s glory and respond to it
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/what-exactly-is-the-glory-of-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
When departing those we love, the last thing we say is usually the most important.
What were Jesus’ last words for us?
The answer is found in Jesus’ final prayer to his Father for us. In it he makes several requests, but the last one is this:
Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
Jesus’ final request and his greatest desire for us is to see his glory.
Why is this? What’s the reason behind why Jesus wants this for us?
In this week’s episode, Scott dives into this question to help us understand the bigger topic of God’s glory:
- Who is God – and who was he before he created the world?
- Why does God desire anything?
- What does Jesus’ desire for us to see his glory ultimately reveal about the essence of God’s identity and the greatest thing we can know about God?
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/what-does-jesus-want-most-for-you
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
In 2015, The Pew Research Center reported that for every individual who becomes a Christian four leave (source).
More recently a chain of very public and prominent Christians has emerged, declaring that they too have decided to leave Christianity.
What are we to make of such phenomena, and how should we react to them?
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss the seemingly growing trend of “deconversion” stories, asking some pointed and important questions:
- What are the causes behind decisions to deconvert from Christianity?
- What sorts of things contribute toward the likelihood that someone might deconvert?
- Are deconversion stories necessarily all bad? Are there some positive lessons that we can take away?
- And, how should we react? Are deconversions final, or is there still hope?
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/why-are-so-many-christians-deconverting
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
How can fountains and rivers help you understand the walk of faith? And what your faith walk can be like?
Fountains are on a loop. The water goes nowhere. Actually, it goes right back where it came from.
In contrast, rivers are always moving and changing. They never turn back, but always move ahead.
In this video, Matt explains the importance of moving from comfortable to risk-taking. And how you can embrace the unknown to go farther on your own faith walk adventure.
Let Matt's ministry Truth Snackguide you in your journey toward a more confident faith!
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/adventurous-faith-seeking-and-confident-belief-with-truth-snack
Join the adventure by following Truth Snack on YouTube!
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
What do you do when you find yourself in a season of doubt? How do you process the questions that can threaten to overwhelm your faith?
What about when you find yourself wrestling with faith questions on an ongoing basis?
Listen in as Scott asks Matt, our newest team member, about his past experience in dealing with doubt in his faith walk.
Matt unpacks the journey that led him through a crisis of faith into a place of confident belief, where through his ministry Truth Snack, he now helps others who are questioning and struggling to overcome doubt.
You'll hear about
- The importance of being hungry for answers and becoming an "adventurous truth seeker"
- Differentiating between questioning in order to know truth vs questioning that truth is knowable
- Breaking down the key questions that will help you arrive at real conclusions
- The place doubt in the overall faith growing process
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christians believe that God answers prayer. But if we’re honest, we don’t always see God’s answers, or if we do it isn’t until much, much later.
That’s why it’s so thrilling when God miraculously supplies a clear, direct, and obvious answer to prayer. It can leave you with a sense of wonder, and renew your faith in exciting ways.
In this special podcast episode, Scott and Shawn sit down with Matt Bellefeuille, Prepared to Answer’s newest team member, to talk about Matt’s new ministry with Prepared to Answer.
Listen as they recount the story of how God so clearly orchestrated a direct answer to prayer. It’s news we’re excited to share with you. But we also hope it will be a story that builds your own confidence in God’s faithfulness to answer your own prayers.
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/does-god-answer-prayer-introducing-matt-truth-snack
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
No words could be more painful or create greater panic than your teen declaring their departure from faith in Christ.
Our greatest desire is to see our children grow into mature and committed followers of Jesus. When those dreams appear to burst into flames before our eyes it can seem devastating.
My wife and I are still in the parenting years. We can certainly empathize with these feelings. Through experience and ministry, we’ve learned a few things that I hope will be of help.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/parents/is-your-child-losing-faith
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
One evening after Bible reading and prayer, my son asked yet another good kid question: “Dad, how come I can’t see God?”
I’m not sure why it’s always at bedtime that kids ask the hardest questions. Perhaps it’s because that’s when we finally slow down long enough for them to feel like it’s a good time to talk.
Whatever the reason, we can be thankful for these God orchestrated encounters, and just pray that God gives us daily awareness so we don’t rush through them.
How do you answer tough questions that your kids ask?
Young children think in such concrete terms, and so we need God’s wisdom to give them clear answers to their hard questions.
For more related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/parents/daddy-why-cant-i-see-god/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Everywhere you look, everyone else is bending over backwards to show how inclusive they are. From businesses to banks, schools and charities, inclusion is our culture’s highest good and woe to you if you aren’t "included among the inclusive".
There's great pressure, especially for Christian youth, to denounce anything that would not affirm everything. This is especially true around the hot topic issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
As a result even evangelical churches are jumping aboard the “inclusion train” believing that the way forward is for the culture to view the church as among those championing inclusion.
But what does “inclusion” even mean, and should Christians pursue it? And if so, how?
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/can-christians-be-inclusive
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Have you ever wondered why God made male and female? Today more than ever, this is an important question. There is so much cultural pressure to deny or relativize gender distinctions.
Wouldn’t you like to have a clear, biblically-based understanding of why God made us as men and women and how it fits in with his eternal purpose?
There is a simple reason why Christians cannot conform to society’s attempts to blur the boundaries between the genders. It’s not because we’re bigots or phobic. It’s not because we want to deny people their rights or maintain our traditions. It’s because gender is sacred.
Here are three reasons why God created us male and female.
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important teachings of the Christian faith, and yet admittedly one of the most difficult to understand, especially for kids.
In the history of the church, no one has been able to completely explain the Trinity. That’s because the finite (us) cannot fully grasp the infinite (God).
Nothing caused me more trepidation during nightly Bible reading with my kids than beginning to explain to them how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all God yet different persons.
I wanted my children to appreciate the mystery of the Trinity without concluding that “mystery” implies “irrational” or “contradictory”. If you are raising young kids or even youth, don’t leave it up to your church teachers or pastors to teach them these essential truths, although certainly look for their help.
What follows is not necessarily a formula, but just the approach I muddled through. I hope that it might provide you with some help and confidence to not shy away from tackling this essential Christian truth with your kids.
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Let’s face it, we’re addicted to our smartphones.
What is it about them that’s so irresistible? Research demonstrates how they affect our brains in addiction-forming ways.
Their real addictive power, however, doesn’t come from the phones themselves but what they feed: our addiction to distraction.
We’re distraction addicts because distraction lets us avoid the truths we don’t want to face.
And to the extent that smartphone addiction is shaping the thought patterns of an entire generation, this is perhaps their greatest danger to us.
For more related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/why-are-smartphones-so-addictive
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are often referred to as the three Abrahamic faiths. Each traces its historical roots to the Old Testament patriarch, Abraham. They also share many similar beliefs about God, causing many to conclude that, notwithstanding their differences, Christians, Jews, and Muslims all worship the same God.
But is this really true? Is the God who is worshipped by Christians, Jews and Muslims essentially the same God simply worshipped in different ways? Or is there an irreconcilable difference between the God that each religion claims to worship?
Tune in to this episode of the Prepared to Answer podcast as Scott and Shawn bring clarity to this important question.
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/do-christians-jews-muslims-worship-the-same-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Being a Christian isn’t a matter of thinking vs. not-thinking. It’s a matter of where our thinking starts from.
Ultimately there are only two places where thinking can start:
Either believing truth begins with God, or truth begins with us.
Either God’s truth is true, or mine is. These are our only two options.
Learning to think like Jesus, then, begins with trusting that God is the starting point for all true knowledge. This is why Solomon in his wisdom declared: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
It’s a risky thing, but if you want your life to be transformed, then you must be willing to surrender your mind to the rock solid foundation of God’s true word.
For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/start-thinking-like-jesus-today/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christians who love Jesus desire to live like him. But so often the sin that remains in us causes us to fail and fall short. Does this mean living like Jesus is an impossible goal?
Since sin entered the world through the embrace of a lie (Romans 1:25), victory over sin comes as the Holy Spirit re-shapes our minds according to God's truth revealed in Jesus.
In this episode, Scott discusses the real experience of spiritual transformation and renewal that comes when we allow God to re-train our minds.
For related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/how-do-i-start-thinking-like-jesus
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christians can sometimes be accused of cherry picking the Bible, especially from among Old Testament laws and commands. For example, quoting commands that prohibit homosexual behaviour (Leviticus 18:22), but then completely ignoring commands that prohibit weaving two different fabrics together. (Leviticus 19:19).
In truth, Christians can be guilty of selective Bible reading. We dismiss some commands as no longer applicable while affirming others as still binding without really knowing or explaining why. When we do, it does tend to look like we're just picking the commands that reflect the values we already hold.
The solution is to allow the Bible to speak for itself.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss three principles to use to determine from the Bible when to consider laws or commandments as particular to Israel, and only for a time in the past, and when to take them as universal for all people in all places and for all times.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/do-christians-cherry-pick-bible-commands
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
A while back we published a couple articles about whether Jordan Peterson was a Christian, orif his message could point us to Christ. Jordan since suffered a severe health crisis and was forced for a time to withdraw from the public stage.
Thankfully, he’s resurfaced. And so has his considerable influence in attracting people to the Bible and Christianity. Further still, he continues to attract a growing audience that includes professing Christians, especially among Millennials.
A recent podcast interview between Peterson and Jonathan Pageau drew a tremendous response among many Christians. While discussing his belief about Christ, Peterson broke down in tears while saying:
What you have in the figure of Christ is an actual person who actually lived plus a myth and in some sense, Christ is the union of those two things. The problem is that I probably believe that, but I don’t, I’m amazed at my own belief and I don’t understand it…
Many prayers are going up for Jordan Peterson’s salvation, and rightly so. At the same time, emotion, and sincerity aside, it’s important that Christians think critically about what Peterson is actually saying when he talks about Jesus.
In this special podcast episode, Scott Stein discusses some of the good things coming out of Jordan Peterson’s very public journey of spiritual discovery. Along with this, also some concerns about his present views about Jesus that Christians should avoid stumbling over.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/what-should-we-make-of-jordan-peterson
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
If Christians were honest, there are some commands in the Old Testament that we wish weren’t there. This is especially true when it comes to commands given to Israel regarding the keeping of slaves.
Recently we conversed with a skeptic who challenged the goodness and truth of the Bible by pointing these commands out. “There you have it! The Bible endorses slavery. How can you worship a God like that?”
In situations like this, it’s important not to get defensive or respond out of fear or frustration. Such objections are often delivered as defeaters of biblical truth, but they also represent real and honest doubts.
In this episode, while sharing some general principles for responding to difficult faith challenges like this one, Scott and Shawn dive into the facts around Old Testament slavery commands to answer the question “Does the Bible condone slavery?”
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Sometimes life can seem so unfair. We face suffering that we feel we don't deserve, or are deprived of the good that we feel we do deserve. The seeming unfairness of life can challenge our faith like nothing else.
Needless to say, it’s very difficult to comprehend inside of grief what we never took time to understand outside of it.
Why does God allow such injustices? Why can wicked people sometimes get away with murder, while good people are left to languish with affliction?
In this blog audio, we look at some of the wisdom that St. Augustine uncovered from his deep study of Scripture, and his own experiences in life. In it, we find some timeless and important counsel for girding our own faith.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/why-do-bad-people-prosper-and-good-people-suffer-insights-from-st-augustine-in-the-city-of-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
John 3:16 is arguably the best known verse in the Bible. It shows up on signs, cards, posters, billboards, t-shirts and even at football games.
But could it be that for all its familiarity, we have been blinded to its meaning?
As a pastor I would stand to the side of the pulpit, stretch my arms out wide and say, “Jesus’ outstretched arms on the cross was God’s way of saying that he loves us ‘this much’ ”; giving my arms a little extra stretch for emphasis.
But is that what John 3:16 is really telling us?
Turns out that I was making the mistake that many make about the meaning of one little word – “so”.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/so-misunderstood-john-316-might-not-mean-what-you-think
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Previously, in episode 10 and episode 11, we looked at the issues around the proposed anti-conversion therapy legislation in Canada under Bill C-6. While controversy surrounds the debate about the specific language of Bill C-6, the bill in its present form supplies Christians with a window of understanding into the worldview that lies behind it.
By taking time to understand the way people in our culture think, Christians can better equip themselves to address the idea strongholds that keep them captivated and blind to the truth found in Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss some principles and real-life examples of how we can use conversations about issues like conversion therapy laws to open doors for gospel witness.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/responding-to-the-worldview-of-anti-conversion-therapy-laws
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
One of the church’s earliest and greatest thinkers and theologians, after the Apostles, was a man by the name of Augustine. His father was a pagan, but his mother was a devout Christian woman, Monica, who sought to raise her son in the Christian faith.
Despite her best efforts, Augustine drifted from his mother’s teaching into a promiscuous life of adolescent sinful indulgence. He transgressed further and further from the Christian life Monica raised him to know.
Yet he never departed from his mother’s prayers.
What encouragement can Christian mothers glean today from Augustine's mother?
Check out this week's blog audio to find out!
To get related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/topics/parents/the-power-of-a-praying-mother/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Part of Christian witness is not only declaring the truth found in Jesus, but exposing the lies that would keep that truth hidden from people.
Like any idol, laws like Bill C-6 are a reflection of our culture’s ultimate beliefs.
Without laying aside our concerns such laws pose to civil liberties, we ought to reflect on what they tell us about the deceptive, false beliefs that Satan is using to hold our culture in spiritual captivity.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss some of the foundational beliefs represented in anti-conversion therapy laws like Bill C-6.
By better understanding these beliefs, you’ll be better equipped to identify the critical issues of belief that hold people captive as you work to point them to Jesus.
To get related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/exposing-worldview-anti-conversion-therapy-laws/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Bill C-6, an act to ban conversion therapy, awaits final vote in Canada’s Parliament. The stated purpose of the bill is to protect people from harmful or coercive practices to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The problem with Bill C-6, however, is how it defines “conversion therapy”. The wording is so vague that many fear it being used to deny even beneficial therapeutic practices.
Of particular concern to Christians are the threats the bill poses to religious freedoms. With so much unclear language, Bill C-6 has the potential to make even affirming and expressing biblical beliefs about sex and gender unlawful.
In its present form, Bill C-6 poses a real threat to our civic freedoms. But it also supplies us with a clear window into the worldview assumptions that have captivated our culture.
To get related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/christians-anti-conversion-laws
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Bill C-6 was introduced to the Canadian House of Commons on October 1, 2020. The stated purpose of the bill is to criminalize conversion therapy practices in Canada.
While the stated intention is to be against any coercive practice or treatment that would seek to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity against their will, the legislation contains language and definitions that are so vague and ambiguous that it threatens to criminalize other freedoms.
In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss:
- What are the key concerns about the bill?
- Where is the bill at right now in the legislative process?
- What kind of responses should Christians be thinking about?
To read the accompanying blog post on Bill C-6, visit preparedtoanswer.org/billc6
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Are you feeling burdened or overwhelmed by our rapidly changing society? The culture changes we’re experiencing don’t just affect news headlines. They impact real relationships with the people we love and care about most.
Join me, Scott Stein, for The Gospel and Culture, an immersive and practical video study that will show you how to think critically and biblically about identity, gender, and spirituality in light of culture.
With this study, you’ll walk away with key insights into:
- Why culture thinks the way that it does.
- What God has revealed to you in the light of his eternal nature and purpose for Creation.
- And, how to respond when faced with objections from the people you love and want to witness to.
Do you want to become more confident in knowing Biblical truth, and be more effective in your witness to family and friends for Christ?
Get this video study today! Visit preparedtoanswer.org/learn-how-to-impact-culture
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
No matter life’s circumstances, fixing your eyes on the hope of Jesus’ resurrection will bring joy to your heart, peace to your mind, and praise to your lips.
The apostle Paul explained the three ways that Jesus’ resurrection at Easter delivers all the hope that we need, no matter what the future may hold (1 Corinthians 15:17-22).
Whatever life's trials, Jesus' resurrection...
- sustains our hope
- explains our hope
- completes our hope
To get related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/jesus-resurrection-hope
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Many times we share the gospel with others, and wonder why – even after we’ve prepared diligently and presented our answers thoughtfully – we still don’t see the hoped-for response. Those we love simply can’t seem to be able to see the spiritual reality of the truth of the gospel.
In this video, Scott Stein discusses one key factor we need to keep in mind in the faith-sharing process and the essential role it plays in the unbelievers’ ability to see the light of truth.
Scott explores
- What one thing can help us develop compassion when sharing our faith with those who don’t know Jesus?
- To what extent can unbelievers understand the gospel and what is God’s role in their encounter with the gospel?
- How does the glory of Jesus relate to the gospel?
- How important is our ability to present the gospel proficiently compared to the importance of the nature of the gospel itself?
Listen and remember these considerations the next time you share the gospel with somebody.
To watch the video and get related resources, visit preparedtoanswer.org/sharing-gospel-never-forget
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Is “luck” a subject the Bible addresses? Is it even something we need to think about?
After all, isn’t the word “luck” just something we hear thrown around all the time— though maybe more so certain times of the year, such as on St. Patrick’s Day (alongside “leprechauns”)?
How should parents understand “luck” and talk about this concept with their kids?
On one hand, saying “that was lucky” or “good luck” isn’t a big deal. They’re just expressions or figures of speech. Seldom is anyone consciously considering any hidden significance.
On the other hand, words do have meaning and do reflect the way that we view the world.
In this case, it’s worth considering that **belief in luck traces its roots to pagan beliefs and the occult.
Prefer to read the article?** Find it at http://preparedtoanswer.org/can-christians-be-lucky
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Many in our culture believe that there’s more than one pathway to God. Isn’t the sheer number and variety of world religions proof of this after all?
In this event audio, Scott Stein discusses how people more often adopt this belief because they’ve heard it so often, as opposed to having really thought it through. A way to effectively respond in our witness, therefore, is by using good questions to appeal to their reason.
Scott explores
- The importance of appealing to reason and biblical support for this approach
- What the truth about God is actually rooted in and why this supersedes what we might choose to believe about him
- How different world religions understand God and what this tells us about the idea of pluralism
- Questions we can ask people to help them think through their assumptions, so that intellectual roadblocks to the message of the gospel can be removed
Walk away with some respectful and practical talking points for the next time you encounter the “all paths lead to God” objection to the gospel.
To watch the video and get related resources, visit the blog post: | https://preparedtoanswer.org/all-religions-lead-to-god-response
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
“There can’t be just one way to God!”
In our religiously pluralistic culture, claims about knowing the true path to God are at best considered naïve and at worst arrogantly intolerant.
After all, in a world of so many religious and spiritual beliefs, how can anyone lay exclusive claim to the truth about God?
How should we react to this question?Leaning on Paul’s wisdom, in this short discussion, we explore some faulty and hidden assumptions behind this objection from religious pluralism.
To watch the video and get related resources, visit the blog post: preparedtoanswer.org/all-religions-lead-to-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Why should Christians care about gender? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about helping people get to know Jesus?
Getting people saved is indeed the most important thing.
But key to rightly understanding the gospel and living out salvation in Christ is the biblical view of gender.
Being made male and female is essential to our nature as God’s image bearers. Since God is a holy God (i.e. set apart), it’s necessary that his creation and especially those he made to bear his image would likewise by their nature reflect holiness (i.e. “set apartness”).
Ignoring or blurring the lines of separation that God has placed in our bodies as male and female, therefore, is to use our bodies to deny God’s image in us.
This makes gender distinction not only functionally significant, but eternally significant as a reflection of God’s holiness. Gender is core to the Christian faith.
To watch the video, visit preparedtoanswer.org/gender-gospel-relevant
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Can the Trinity actually help us to understand God's love?
Before God is even Creator, our Saviour, or our Sustainer, he’s the triune God. The Trinity is the very essence of God’s identity that he’s revealed to us.
And that’s why the doctrine of the Trinity is central to our Christian faith. Especially when it comes to understanding God’s love.
And of all things, he wants us to know his love.
To watch the video, visit preparedtoanswer.org/understanding-gods-love-trinity
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
What role does love play in our taking the message of Jesus to the world? How does love relate to our calling as apologists – as those who are to give an answer in defence of the gospel?
In considering our apologetic task, we must acknowledge the inescapable unity between the message and the messenger. If my speech doesn’t flow out of a heart transformed by the love of Christ (i.e. “Christ now lives in me” – Galatians 2:20), then no matter what I say, my words will be meaningless.
Never was it more apparent than in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13. This passage is popularly read as a text at weddings in modern times.
To the Corinthians, Paul wanted to make clear the indivisible relationship between the gospel (the “message”) and the Christian (the “medium”).
These verses are worth reflecting on for all of Christian living and deserve our special attention as we consider our role as apologists.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/greatest-apologetic-love
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Does this mean in order to be wise we need to be afraid of God? Is God supposed to terrify us? Why would a loving God want his children to fear him?
Telling people we should fear God is biblical, but if we're not careful to explain what we mean, we run the risk of misrepresenting God to people, or distorting what a relationship with God truly looks like.
In this Quick Questions video, we explain what the fear of the Lord is, and what it means for life with him.
To watch the video, visit preparedtoanswer.org/afraid-of-god
For more great answers to faith questions, visit us at preparedtoanswer.org.
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Why isn't living the Christian life easier?
In pondering this, you might have asked yourself these next two questions:
- Why do I still sin? Why can't I stop? Why can't I just live like a Christian?
- Why don't people accept my beliefs? Why do they hate that I'm a Christian?
First, it's important to know if you're a Christian, because if you're not one to begin with, you can't live the Christian life. There's no point considering the Christian life until you've made that decision. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
But after becoming a Christian, how do we explain that so many believers find it difficult to live the Christian life? Shouldn't it be easier?
It's critical to know that the key to living the Christian life is not something, but someone: The Holy Spirit. God gifts him to us the moment we're born again.
He empowers youto live out God's plan for your life and also enables you to be a bright light for him in a dark and often hostile world.
Find encouragement and practical guidance for living the Christian life today.
In this audio from an online event hosted by Prepared to Answer, guest presenter Pastor Dan Johnson explains how Christians can find the daily power they need to live a joyful and victorious Christian life.Read the full presentation summary: preparedtoanswer.org/hard-christian-life
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Conspiracy theories are nothing new. It's an important topic, because conspiracies do happen. And, where people in positions of power conspire to abuse that power for immoral ends, good people ought to oppose it.
Discussing conspiracy theories, however, is difficult:
- First, as Joseph Uscinski points out, the term “conspiracy theory” can be weaponized and used to deride ideas and people.
- Second, conspiracy theories are often political, and therefore evoke our own biases.
- Third, conspiracy theories may be true or false, which can complicate how we view or use the term itself.
Perhaps even more important than the truth behind conspiracy theories is the truth behind our motives for being drawn to them in the first place.
So, how can we do our best to avoid falling prey to or becoming complicit in promoting false conspiracy theories?
Since conspiracy theories will always be with us, we want to give you three biblical principles to help you.
Prefer to read it? preparedtoanswer.org/conspiracy-theories
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Even if we can make a sound argument for a divine creator from scientific evidence, is there any way of showing that this divine Creator is the Christian God who revealed himself as Jesus Christ?
In this video of a live online event hosted by Prepared to Answer, Dr. Kirk Durston lays out a clear argument for rationally justifying why we can believe that the divine creator who science points to is the Christian God of the Bible.
Without favouring any one religion, an objective and honest approach would be to ask three questions of any religion:
- Is there reason to believe the founder of this religion had any special connection to the creator of the universe?
- Is there reason to believe that the sacred text of this religion came from a supernatural source?
- Is/are the god(s) of this religion easy to explain, or is it/are they difficult to explain?
Christianity is the only religion in history that supplies a broad and sound base of reasons for believing that the divine creator has revealed himself as the God of the Bible and Christianity.
What reasons to believe does Christianity offer?
- Reason 1: Jesus as God
- Reason 2: The Bible as a supernatural text
- Reason 3: God as a triune being (the Trinity)
There’s strong reason for believing that Jesus Christ, who claimed to be God in the flesh, is indeed the Creator of the universe and one true God.
Read the full presentation summary: preparedtoanswer.org/creator-christian-god
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
What’s the real meaning behind why Jesus’ was born?
More specifically, what’s so significant about the incarnation?
Jesus’ virgin birth as “the Son of God” defines history. After all, if God the Creator was really born in human flesh, then there’s only one question that really matters, namely, “Why did he do that?”
The miracle of the incarnation supplies the only foundation for the gospel of God’s love.
Christmas was the activation of God’s eternal plan to provide the payment of ransom that would rescue sinners from their sin.
Slow down in the rush of the Christmas season to reflect on and worship God for the great miracle of Jesus’ incarnation.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/meaning-jesus-birth
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christians are often concerned at Christmastime with “keeping Christ in Christmas.” But maybe we should spend a bit more time thinking about which “Christ” it is we’re “keeping.”
Unfortunately, even sincere attempts to “keep Christ in Christmas” can lead us astray.
Heart-tugging reflections on how Mary or Joseph must have felt, or the humble circumstances of Jesus birth, surely have their place. But only as backdrop for the true significance of the event.
The meaning and miracle of Jesus’ birth was the pivotal moment in creation history.
It was that instant in time when the Creator took the human nature of the creature upon himself forever.
God becoming one of us is the power behind the Christmas story.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/keeping-christ-in-christmas
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Is the Christmas story historically reliable?
It’s often presented with an almost “mythic” quality. It’s no wonder then that skeptics are quick to write it off as nothing more than an invention of early Christian imagination.
But if you take time to really look at the Christmas story in Luke’s gospel, you’ll find the markings of a carefully composed record of history.
Aside from being a medical doctor, Luke was also a trained historian whose New Testament writings show all of the signatures of a carefully constructed historical document.
Skeptics claim that Luke got it wrong about the census. They see this as proof that Jesus’ birth account wasn’t historical.
A closer look, however, gives us some of our best reasons for accepting it as historical fact.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/christmas-story-historical
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Since we don’t have the original copies of the New Testament writings, have God’s actual words to us somehow been lost over time?
This has become an extremely important issue for Christians today, as more and more skeptical voices in our culture cast doubts on the trustworthiness of the Bible.
In this podcast episode, we welcome Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist who specializes in the study of how the New Testament was transmitted and preserved through the centuries since Jesus walked the earth.
Wesley joins us to discuss some of the important issues related to Biblical inerrancy - whether the Bible contains mistakes.
Skeptics, and even some Christians, have confused God’s inspired and living Word with the physical copies of the scriptures themselves. Wes helps us make some very important distinctions between the original copies that no longer exist, and the text that they contained.
You'll leave with some great resources to dig deeper and grow your confidence that the Bible we possess in the 21st Century is as much the Word of God as the original copies penned by the apostles.
Join Scott and Wesley as they explore the question of Biblical inerrancy in this week's new podcast episode.
Show resources available here: preparedtoanswer.org/episode9
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
“Why does God let bad things happen to me?”
We all face difficult, challenging, and even hurtful events in life. Being a follower of Jesus does not exempt us from this.
These experiences can often leave Christians wondering why, if God loves us, he still allows such things to happen.
Really, this a ground level question. Before we dive in, we need to make sure that we have a proper perspective of the whole picture. A 30,000 foot view.
Join Scott as he explores these critical questions:
- Who is God?
- Why does he do anything?
- Why would God allow evil?
And ultimately, "Why would God allow bad things to happen to me?"
In this video, from a talk to high school students during a live online event, Scott develops a biblical, gospel-centred understanding of why God allows even bad things into our lives.Show page at preparedtoanswer.org/why-does-god-allow-bad-things
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Should Christians be concerned about social justice?
The question almost answers itself. Of course, we should. After all, since God is unquestionably concerned with justice, can his children be any less? Indeed, it was for justice that Jesus came.
One of the increasing difficulties Christians face is that while we use the same words as the world around us, we often don’t attach the same meaning to them.
As we seek the pursuit of social justice as God desires, we must be sure to let Scripture, and not culture, guide our understanding of what “social justice” really means.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/how-should-christians-view-social-justice
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The term “Critical Theory” has become very prominent in social debate right now. It seems as if everything has become about race, gender, and sex. These have become our culture's core markers of human identity.
This shift that we’re experiencing right now has been influenced by a set of ideas taking shape around the 1920s. These ideas have impacted Western institutions through a “critique” of society and its power structures.
We now have a leading generation whose view of reality has been shaped by Critical Theory.
The resulting mindset holds to the conviction that society is fundamentally driven by power and rejects the notion that we can gain objective knowledge of the world.
The implications of such thinking on culture are massive.
As Christians in this culture, we really need to begin thinking carefully and biblically about these world-shaping ideas.
Join Scott and Shawn as they explore the impact of Critical Theory in this week's new podcast episode. You'll discover—
- The two main tenets of Critical Theory (knowledge and power) and their applications
- How the notion of group identity and oppression changes the nature of moral guilt and moral obligation
- How we as Christians' should understand Critical Theory and respond to it in today's culture
Show resources available here: https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/why-is-everything-today-about-race-gender-and-identity-critical-theory-episode-8
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Should Christian parents allow their children to go trick-or-treating? How should a Christian family decide about Halloween?
Ultimately parents need to discern and decide what is best for their children and their family. Biblically I don’t feel that I can argue dogmatically one way or the other.
The biblical principles laid out by Paul help us ask some important questions when deciding what to do. (For these principles, read our article about whether Christians should celebrate Halloween.)
This episode will help you think through some important issues to help your family decide what to do about Halloween.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/should-christian-kids-trick-or-treat
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Should Christians be celebrating or taking any part in Halloween? How do we think biblically about this holiday? It’s hard to find agreement on Halloween among Christians.
Halloween does have a darker side. Many occultists, Satanists, witches, etc., treat Halloween as a time to practice and observe their rituals.
For the majority of people though, Halloween is seen as simply a fun night where the kids dress up in costumes and go trick or treating. (Read also our related article on Christian kids and trick or treating.)
Some may disagree with me, but I’ve primarily relied on Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 to discern what to do about Halloween.
Ultimately, you'll be making the decision for yourself, but we hope to guide you by biblical principles and questions to consider.
Prefer to read the article? Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/should-christians-celebrate-halloween
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Do we really pick and choose to obey some Bible passages and not others? How do we choose which teachings we’ll follow and which ones we won’t?
And how do we answer critics on this issue? Especially when they use difficult or seemingly obscure passages?
Christians are often criticized (and sometimes rightfully so), for cherry picking from the Bible and ignoring the difficult passages that embarrass us. Kind of like scandalous family members whom we’d rather not acknowledge or talk about.
And why not, since they seem to provide so much ammunition for “popular” cynics like Bill Maher. Or more scholarly critics like Sam Harris.
For the sincere questioner, however, and even for our own sakes, Christians need to provide an answer.
Prefer to read the article?Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/dealing-with-objections-bible
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Is the Bible true?
And not, “Does it contain truth?” I mean, “Does every word in the Bible reveal and teach true facts about reality?”
What we’re really driving at is the question of biblical inerrancy. Is the Bible entirely free of error, or does it contain mistakes?
For the first 1700 years of its existence, the church almost universally believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. Some Christians still do today.
So, does this mean just accepting that the Bible is true, free of any mistakes, without question? “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” Is that the idea?
Proving that God’s Word is true and contains no mistakes is exactly what God wants us to do. He doesn’t just want us to believe it’s true. He wants us to know it!
But how? **How can we know that the Bible is true?
Prefer to read the article?**Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/does-the-bible-contain-mistakes
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Christian children and youth are under tremendous pressures today, because of the unrelenting cultural agenda to embrace all forms of human diversity (i.e. behaviours) and eliminate any room for making moral judgments about any particular lifestyle.
“Shouldn’t people have the right to be who they are?”
As our culture drinks deeper and deeper from the waters of individual rights, identity politics, and the complete erasure of sex and gender distinctions, more and more Christian parents face challenges like this one from their own kids.
These echo the social justice concerns of their generation.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” in our society any longer; only “differences.” It’s no wonder then, that they’re beginning to eschew the Bible and gospel of Jesus whose message includes things like sin and judgment.
Parents ask themselves, **“How should I respond?”
Prefer to read the article?**
Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/facing-cultural-pressure-kids
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Do you struggle to live by faith?
Are you frustrated with your “on again/off again” tendencies toward faithfulness?
Do you long to see “mountains” moved, but obviously are short on mustard seeds of faith?
Take deliberate steps to move your faith away from a mere mental notion into action.
Begin applying your mind to becoming a careful thinker about faith, so that your faith is grounded first in a knowledge of the truth.
Then, take some deliberate steps to move your faith away from a mere mental notion into being something you equate with action.Find help as we dig deeper into what it means to live by faith. Prefer to read the article?
Find it atpreparedtoanswer.org/living-by-faith-difficult
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
To grow as people of faith, Christians need to be clear on what it is that they should be growing. It’s precisely our failure to be clear about that, that leads to so many well-meaning but misguided and sometimes harmful words and activities.
Many Christians have allowed culture more than Scripture to inform their concepts of faith, and as a result their attempts to faithfully live out their Christian “faith” result in errors of many kinds.
In some cases we adopt the “faith divorced from reason” position, affirming the need to “just believe.”
In other cases, Christians slip into the mystical “Oprah” version of faith,where knowledge plays little to no roleand people are left almost entirely at the mercy of feelings and emotions.
So what do we mean? What is faith?
And how does understanding faith help us in our day-to-day lives?
Prefer to read the article?
Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/what-is-faith-and-why-does-it-matter
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Metaphysical naturalism (the prevailing mindset in science) and postmodernism (the prevailing mindset in philosophy) have so redefined knowledge, that many Christians now believe that true knowledge about God can’t be attained.
Instead they see faith as belief without knowledge, or even in spite of what they know.
If our contemporary culture can convince us that what Jesus Christ revealed and taught about God, Creation, his kingdom, salvation, morality, and eternity are anything less than true knowledge about reality, then we’ll cease to be “salt and light” or “bringers of good news” to a lost and dying world. **The stakes have never been higher.
Prefer to read the article?**
Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/is-faith-the-opposite-of-knowledge
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Do you want your Christian faith to not just be a part of your life, but be your life; penetrating and permeating everything you say and think and do?
You might be remembering how often you’ve started, full of enthusiasm, passion and vision, only to stumble and falter. You’re beginning to think it isn’t even possible to live like Jesus.
If that’s the case, don’t be discouraged. Transformation is possible and the key is available to everyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ.
In this blog audio, you'll find out
- Why Christians struggle to live like Jesus
- The key to living like Jesus
- The how of living like Jesus
Prefer to read the article?
Find it at preparedtoanswer.org/how-to-live-like-jesus
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Let’s face it, we’re addicted to our smartphones. What is it about them that’s so irresistible? Research demonstrates how they affect our brains in addiction-forming ways.
Their real addictive power, however, doesn’t come from the phones themselves but what they feed: our addiction to distraction.
We’re distraction addicts because distraction lets us avoid the truths we don’t want to face.
And to the extent that smartphone addiction is shaping the thought patterns of an entire generation, this is perhaps their greatest danger to us.Prefer to read the article? Find it at https://preparedtoanswer.org/why-are-smartphones-so-addictive
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Our culture continues to drink deeply from the waters of individual rights, identity politics, and the complete erasure of God’s design for sex and gender distinctions. Christians, and especially kids, are bombarded by messages about “inclusivity” and “acceptance.”
And expressing disapproval of any lifestyle choice is considered at best, intolerant, and at worst, hate-speech.
As a result, many Christians are distancing themselves from historical biblical views on sexuality. Many pastors avoid preaching on the subject for fear of potential backlash. Even parents find themselves on the defensive when they try to teach their children biblical values.
How is it possible to maintain a stand for God’s truth about sexuality amidst so much controversy and opposition, even within churches and families?
Prefer to read the article? Find it at https://preparedtoanswer.org/christian-views-of-sexuality-not-welcome/
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The issue of homosexuality has been much debated among Bible-believing evangelical Christians. Some churches affirm same-sex unions and lifestyles, while others don’t. Many Christians have simply decided that this is an issue that Christians need to “agree to disagree” over.
So, is the question of being a gay Christian really that important in the 21st century?
Yes, because this issue is both relevant and crucial to the gospel. In calling Christians to be holy, that necessarily includes not only our sexual behaviour, but also our thoughts and ideas about sex.
Join Scott and Shawn as they explore this important question and its implications in this week's podcast episode.
In this episode, you'll discover—
- How is the issue of homosexuality different from other doctrinal differences?
- What does “gay” mean in relation to “sexual orientation” and is there a distinction between experience vs. identity?
- How does the label “gay” differ from other identity labels Christians wear (such as racial or national groupings)?
- How should Christians deal with same-sex attraction?
Show resources available here: www.preparedtoanswer.org/episode7
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
It seems our culture now sees every aspect of how we view and relate to the world as a function of our inner sexual identity. Anything other than affirming and celebrating a persons’ self-declared sexual orientation or sexual identity is seen as doing harm.
How should Christians understand the idea of sexual orientation and respond to those experiencing same-sex attraction?
Knowing the origin and concept of sexual orientation can help us understand the implications of sexual orientation on our culture and faith today.
Podcast resources here: www.preparedtoanswer.org/episode6
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
“Is it possible for a man to be trapped in a woman’s body, or a woman in a man’s body?”
Questions like this are difficult but so important to address. The fact that they're being asked reveals so much about the way that our world thinks.
Science alone can't provide an answer, because contained within the question are so many assumptions about our ultimate beliefs. Answers belong to the spheres of philosophy and religion.
Join us as we delve into this big question, and examine these related questions:
- Hasn’t science proven that a person could be born with a male body but a female brain, or vice-versa?
- How does the Bible help us to interpret the feeling a person has of being trapped in the wrong gendered body?
- But what about those born with intersex conditions?
- Where can we turn or point others to for help who are struggling with feelings of uncertainty about gender or gender identity?
For more episode resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
As we think about Mother's Day, we address the parenting question "What specific role do mothers play in developing a healthy sense of identity for their kids?" Along the way, we'll also examine questions such as:
- Are women and men superficially different, but fundamentally the same?
- How does the male/female distinction reflect God’s image?
- Do our children even really belong to us?
Resource Recommendation: Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity, by Glenn T. Stanton.
For more episode resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/parents/how-god-uses-moms-to-form-kids-identity-podcast-episode-4
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The objection raised by a listener's friend is that the only reason that he is a Christian is because he grew up in a Christian family, and therefore has a bias in favour of Christianity. This bias makes him incapable of proving that Christianity is true over other religions since Christianity is the only religion he’s ever known. So do you answer this objection? Join us as we tackle it!
In this episode we'll look at:
- Why it’s important to help a person see potential logical error in their thinking
- How C.S. Lewis’ concept of “Bulverism” can help us understand the modern method of argument and how to approach it
- Why it’s important as a Christian to learn how to ask good questions
- How to answer this tough question when you’re asked it
View more episode resources at https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
Get strategies and tips on how to talk to your children about the coronavirus (Covid-19) to help them overcome fear and anxiety, all while guiding them to understand the pandemic from the biblical worldview. We’ll coach you step-by-step in tackling this difficult issue with them from the perspective of the grand story of the Bible and God’s eternal purpose. You might not be able to answer every question your kids have about God’s reasons for the Coronavirus. But you can give them a tremendous source of peace and confidence by showing them that nothing happens outside of God’s control. You’ll be able to help them grow in faith and confidence as they learn to put their trust in God.
View more resources at https://preparedtoanswer.org/episode2
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has hit us all seemingly out of nowhere. Do you really see this as a time for spiritual growth? How do you grow? What do you actually need to do? And how are we to think biblically about trials? Join us as we explore these and other questions.
View more episode resources at https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast
Support the show (https://preparedtoanswer.org/donate/)