Theology Central: Recent Episodes
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The goal of this podcast is to make theology the focal point of every discussion. It is designed to challenge you to think about what the Word of God says and how that applies to every aspect of the Christian life. There will be episodes on news commentary, sermon reviews, guided Bible studies, devotional messages, and everything in between. If you’re interested in studying the Word, then grab a Bible, a notebook, a pencil, and hit play on your favorite podcast app.
The sermon expresses frustration and skepticism regarding the modern church's tendency towards commercialization, exemplified by a church's fundraising campaign for a new building. The speaker critiques the misapplication of scripture, particularly Acts 11:29, and questions the prioritization of financial gain over genuine ministry and compassion for those in need. The speaker reflects on personal financial struggles and the irony of being asked to contribute to a large-scale project while facing their own precarious situation, ultimately questioning the church's motives and the value of its appeals for donations, while emphasizing the importance of authentic spiritual connection over material pursuits.
The IRS now says churches can endorse political candidates from the pulpit. In this episode, we break down what happened, why it matters, and how it threatens to replace Christ with political power at the center of the church.
In this brief update, I share some exciting news—SiriusXM has officially become the #1 platform where people are listening to Theology Central, making up over %50 of our total plays! I want to thank all of you who tune in through SiriusXM and reflect on what this milestone means for the podcast. Whether you're listening in your car, at home, or on the go—thank you for being part of this journey.
The sermon explores the concept of seemingly impossible commands in Scripture, challenging the notion that Christians can achieve obedience through their own efforts. It emphasizes a law-gospel framework, asserting that the law reveals human inability and drives individuals to Christ, whose perfect righteousness is imputed rather than infused. The speaker advocates for a theological perspective where commands are not seen as achievable goals but as catalysts for recognizing dependence on Christ, urging listeners to embrace a realistic understanding of their inherent sinfulness and to find security in His completed work, rather than striving for self-achieved righteousness.
The sermon explores the theological complexities of obedience to God's commandments and the role of scripture, ultimately questioning the effectiveness of contemporary church practices. It examines the futility of idolatry and human attempts to understand the divine, contrasting human efforts with God's sovereignty and purpose. Through an observational outline of Isaiah 44, the message highlights God's unique identity as Creator and Redeemer, emphasizing His promise of restoration and the use of unexpected instruments, like Cyrus, to fulfill His will, while challenging the tendency to impose human-centric interpretations onto biblical texts.
Over twenty girls swept away in a Texas flood at a Christian camp. In this episode, we confront the deep tension between promises of divine protection and the brutal silence of tragedy. What does it mean to trust a God who intervenes—sometimes?
The sermon transcript presents a frustrated critique of contemporary biblical interpretation, particularly regarding the book of Isaiah. The speaker laments the pervasive tendency to impose modern theological frameworks onto ancient texts, specifically highlighting the misapplication of Isaiah 44 and the conflation of church-centric themes with its original context of comfort and promise to Israel in Babylonian captivity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of observational Bible study and the need to resist the urge to impose personal or denominational preferences onto scripture, advocating for a return to careful reading and a recognition of the historical and covenantal setting of biblical passages, ultimately expressing discouragement with the state of biblical understanding and a desire for a more faithful engagement with the text.
The sermon transcript reflects a deep concern for the accuracy of biblical interpretation, particularly within contemporary church settings. The speaker critiques the prevalence of devotional experiential hermeneutics, which prioritizes personal feelings and applications over careful textual analysis and historical context, especially evident in reviews of sermons on Isaiah 40-55. The speaker advocates for a return to rigorous hermeneutical training, emphasizing the importance of understanding original audiences, covenantal frameworks, and the broader redemptive narrative of Scripture, ultimately aiming to equip listeners to discern faithful teaching and avoid the pitfalls of superficial or misleading interpretations.
This episode explores the devotional-experiential hermeneutic—a system where personal experience shapes how Scripture is read. We examine its roots, how it misuses verses like Hebrews 4:12, and the consequences of letting emotion override biblical meaning.
The speaker grapples with the tension between theological doctrines and the realities of human experience, particularly the persistent presence of sin despite claims of divine empowerment. Examining sermons accessed through a platform like Sermon Audio, the speaker finds frustration with messages that oversimplify decision-making and ignore the inherent limitations imposed by a depraved nature. The discussion centers on the paradox of moral responsibility when individuals are born with a nature that predisposes them to sin, questioning the validity of free will and the coherence of holding people accountable for actions they cannot ultimately avoid, ultimately suggesting a reliance on faith in Christ as a resolution to this inherent conflict.
The sermon critically examines contemporary Christian practices, particularly the monetization of theological education through conferences and the sale of recorded sermons. It questions the biblical justification for charging fees for accessing spiritual instruction, contrasting it with the ideal of freely sharing the Gospel and emphasizing the importance of accessible theological resources. The speaker expresses concern over the commodification of preaching and encourages listeners to support ministries directly rather than through expensive conferences, advocating for a return to simpler, more accessible forms of spiritual growth and dissemination of knowledge.
The discussion centers on leveraging artificial intelligence as a tool for critical thinking and theological exploration, emphasizing that AI is not a source of inherent truth but a pattern-imitating language model requiring careful training and engagement. The speaker advocates for establishing clear standards, demanding transparency, and correcting AI's outputs to cultivate a reliable tool for biblical study, sermon evaluation, and theological inquiry, ultimately aiming to enhance understanding and clarity rather than blindly accepting AI-generated information as definitive.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of active engagement with Scripture, particularly Isaiah 40-55, rather than passive listening, and challenges common misinterpretations of the text by urging listeners to return to the original recipients and historical context of Babylonian captivity. The speaker advocates for a structured approach to biblical study, providing listeners with specific assignments designed to promote deeper understanding and retention of the text, ultimately aiming to move beyond superficial interpretations and foster a more robust engagement with the character of God, the nature of idolatry, and the promises of comfort and hope offered amidst judgment.
The sermon explored the concept of spiritual possession, drawing heavily on personal experience and referencing the film The Exorcist to illustrate the perceived terror of demonic influence. It argued that being 'possessed' by the Holy Spirit signifies a state of control and transformation, echoing themes of empowerment and joy, though it ultimately presented a theological framework that seemingly contradicts the reality of ongoing sin and human struggle, suggesting a disconnect between idealized spiritual states and the lived experience of faith. The speaker's reflections on biblical passages and historical reactions to The Exorcist underscored a fascination with spiritual power and a desire for a life free from the complexities of human imperfection.
This sermon explores the concept of the 'fool's speech' from 2 Corinthians, challenging listeners to embrace weakness and suffering as pathways to divine grace rather than striving for outward success or spiritual triumph. The preacher encourages a theological re-evaluation of authority, suggesting that true spiritual leadership is demonstrated not through charisma or achievement, but through humble vulnerability and a willingness to boast in imperfections, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's power made perfect in weakness and a call to actively embody this paradoxical truth by sharing personal struggles and embracing a life defined by dependence on divine mercy.
The sermon explores the legacy of the Salem witch trials, using a metaphorical drive through Salem as a framework to examine the dangers of fear and the abuse of religious authority. Focusing on the story of Bridget Bishop, the first to be executed, the speaker highlights how societal panic and a desire for conformity can lead to injustice, with religion used to justify persecution and silencing dissent. The message serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for manipulation and the importance of questioning narratives, urging listeners to remember the human cost of unchecked fear and the enduring need for justice and mercy.
The sermon grapples with the complexities of divorce and remarriage within a theological framework, questioning the consistency of church teachings and the application of biblical standards. Examining Matthew 5:31-32 and related scripture, the discussion highlights the ambiguity surrounding the 'exception clause' and the potential for ongoing adultery in remarriage, challenging the notion that the church consistently upholds its own moral teachings. Ultimately, the speaker argues that the sermon reveals the universal brokenness of humanity and points to the need for grace and reliance on Christ's perfect obedience as the only path to redemption, rather than attempting to navigate a flawed system of moral judgment.
The sermon explores themes of emotional impermanence and vulnerability through the lens of a popular song, examining the complexities of modern relationships and the search for connection in a fleeting world. It dissects the song's narrative of a chance encounter and the subsequent emotional fallout, highlighting the narrator's desperate plea for honesty and the cyclical nature of seeking solace in temporary encounters. The analysis suggests that the song captures a sense of loneliness and the fear of abandonment, resonating with the human experience of seeking meaning and connection amidst the transient nature of life, ultimately questioning the authenticity of relationships built on superficiality and the inevitable moment when the "wine runs out."
The sermon explores the complexities of divorce and remarriage through the lens of the Sermon on the Mount, challenging conventional interpretations and emphasizing the law-like nature of Jesus' teachings. It argues that Matthew 5:31-32, particularly the concept of "sexual immorality," demands careful scrutiny, suggesting that many within the church may unknowingly be living in adulterous relationships due to a misunderstanding of biblical standards. The preacher advocates for a return to a rigorous examination of scripture, urging listeners to confront their own failures and flee to Christ, rather than attempting to justify their actions through selective interpretations, ultimately calling for a church that embraces grace while upholding biblical fidelity.
The sermon explores the complexities of divorce and remarriage within a Christian context, challenging conventional interpretations of Jesus' teachings on marriage and adultery. Examining passages from Matthew 5 and 19 alongside Mark and Luke, the discussion questions the common understanding of an "exception clause" and the selective application of biblical standards, highlighting inconsistencies in how the church treats various sins. Ultimately, the message emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the need for grace, urging listeners to confront their own failures and seek redemption rather than engaging in judgmental practices, while acknowledging the difficulty of navigating these sensitive issues and the need for humility in interpreting scripture.
The sermon dissects Sabrina Carpenter's song "Manchild," framing it as a cultural document reflecting relational exhaustion and a critique of emotional immaturity, particularly within modern relationships. Rather than dismissing it as mere pop music or a display of man-hating, the analysis suggests the song exposes a recurring pattern of one-sided emotional labor and a longing for mutual respect and growth, prompting listeners to consider their own roles in perpetuating such dynamics and potentially offering a mirror to the church's own shortcomings in fostering mature and balanced relationships.
The sermon grapples with the tension between God's absolute power and the reality of human suffering and sin, particularly within the context of Isaiah 40-55. It challenges the notion that God's sovereignty necessitates the prevention of all evil, suggesting instead that God's character is revealed through the redemption of sinners despite their failings. The preacher questions conventional Christian interpretations, urging listeners to confront difficult theological questions about God's allowance of sin and to move beyond simplistic answers, ultimately advocating for a deeper engagement with scripture that acknowledges the complexities of faith and the mystery of God's plan.
The sermon grapples with the theological complexities of God's sovereignty and the existence of sin, challenging conventional church teachings that often soften these difficult truths. It explores the tension between God's creative power and the reality of human suffering, questioning simplistic explanations of grace and emphasizing the need for a more honest engagement with scripture. The speaker contends that God's allowance of sin, while mysterious, is not a reflection of weakness but a deliberate aspect of His plan, ultimately calling for a faith rooted in humility and a willingness to confront the unsettling nature of divine purpose rather than seeking easy comfort in theological evasion.
This episode explores Matthew 5:27–32, exposing how Jesus' words crush any illusion of internal purity or external righteousness. We challenge popular views on lust, showing it begins within—not outside us—and conclude with the only hope for sinners: the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Christian influencers promoting an athleisure line have ignited a firestorm of debate—are they being immodest, or is the backlash part of a deeper theological problem? In this episode, we tackle the controversy surrounding Girls Gone Bible, modesty culture, and whether women are unfairly held responsible for men's lust. We go deep into Scripture, examine what modesty really means, and ask: who's actually to blame when someone sins? A must-listen for anyone tired of shallow answers and ready for a biblical, honest conversation. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14788899/Christian-influencers-fire-evangelical-followers-promoting-immodest-athleisure-line.html
What does it mean to call Mary the Mother of the Church? Is the title biblical or purely traditional? In this episode, we explore the theological claims made in the Catholic Church's celebration of the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. We examine the scriptural basis, early Church writings, and the typological parallels with Eve and the Ark of the Covenant — and challenge Protestants who reject Marian theology while using the same interpretive methods for their own doctrines.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars imagine the end of the world—and all they want is to be together. In this episode, we unpack the lyrics of "Die with a Smile," exploring love, vulnerability, and why this emotional anthem resonates so deeply. Is it about conflict, surrender, or something more eternal?
Did Jesus and Peter use two different words for love in John 21—and does it actually matter? This episode exposes the myth, traces its origins, and shows why the Greek doesn't say what many claim it does.
Jesus prayed "that they may all be one"—but in a divided church, what does that really mean? In this episode, we examine John 17:20–26, explore who Jesus was praying for, and wrestle with the challenge of unity in light of today's church reality.
In this episode, I respond to Breakpoint's take on AI and loneliness, pushing back on their claim that the Church is the cure. Yes, AI relationships are artificial—but let's not pretend church communities always offer something better. I explore the real failures of Christian community, the limits of human connection, and why honesty—not idealism—is what we need.
We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:1-7 and we consider the church as a factory of false hope
Before we break it down together, here's your assignment: listen to "What I Want" and interpret it for yourself. What are the characters really saying? Is this song about honesty, fear, desire—or emotional surrender? In this episode, I give you questions to guide your reflection and invite you to wrestle with what the lyrics reveal about love, pain, detachment, and longing. Come ready to listen—and to think theologically.
Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae's "What I Want" sounds like a casual hookup anthem—but listen closely and you'll hear something deeper: two people agreeing not to feel. In this episode, we analyze the song's emotional detachment, its theology of resigned desire, and what it reveals about a culture that craves connection but fears the cost. Is this honesty, or just another form of despair? And does the song offer even a flicker of hope? Let's find out.
Spotify just launched powerful new podcast features—from smarter recommendations to interactive comments and creator tools. Here's what's new and why it matters.
In this episode, we explore how Acts 15 fulfills the promises and preparation of John's Farewell Discourse. The Eleven, equipped by Jesus, now act with unity, authority, and Spirit-led clarity. This isn't devotional theory—it's redemptive history unfolding.
An assignment based on recent lectionary readings. Grab your bible, your notebook, and a pencil
Teddy Swims' "Lose Control" isn't just about heartbreak—it's a raw confession of fear, need, and the ache of being alone. In this episode, we explore the song's emotional core, the tension between needing God and needing others, and why Christianity often struggles to hold both together.
In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.
In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.
John 15:11 says Jesus gives us His joy—but what kind of joy was He talking about? In this episode, we explore the real meaning of this verse, why it wasn't meant as a blanket emotional promise, and how joy looks different when read through the lens of obedience, suffering, and apostolic mission.
Marjorie Taylor Greene clashed with Elon Musk's AI after it questioned her Christianity—but was the AI wrong? In this episode, we explore what happened, examine the theology of judgment and discernment, and ask: Can AI be more biblically accurate than some Christians?
Why does Psalm 57 have 12 verses in the Catholic Bible? We unpack the Septuagint, the numbering debate, and why the apostles sided with the Greek Old Testament—challenging modern assumptions about which Bible is "right."
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." But was He speaking to all believers—or only the Eleven? In this episode, we explore John 15:1–8 in its full context, showing how it was a direct, covenantal moment of apostolic commissioning. We trace how each part of the passage was fulfilled in the lives of the apostles—and why that changes everything about how we read it today.
Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" sounds like a confession—but is it? This episode unpacks the song's emotional and theological layers, revealing how blame, deflection, and false repentance shape modern relationships and distort true confession.
Fr. Mike Schmitz's $100 "Parables Tour" raises serious questions about the commercialization of ministry. Why is the Church charging for what Jesus gave freely? In this episode, I examine what this model says about the gospel, money, and the priorities of the modern Church.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you…" But if that promise was for all believers, why does it so often not match reality? In this episode, we explore whether the peace of John 14:27 was meant for every Christian—or only for the Eleven who heard it that night. A hard but necessary conversation about promise, context, and what we've misunderstood.
Alex Warren's "Ordinary" turns romance into religion—replacing God with the beloved. In this episode, we explore the song's spiritual imagery, its emotional honesty, and how it contrasts with the Gospel reading from John 13.
Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers? Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure. This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.
Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers? Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure. This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.
Today we explore the deep Christology of John 14: "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." We connect this truth to Acts 13 and Psalm 98, showing how Christ reveals the Father, the Church carries that revelation, and salvation reaches the nations.
A cultural and theological deep dive into the top songs of Summer 2025. Each episode unpacks lyrics through biblical, liturgical, and spiritual lenses—revealing what today's music says about our hunger for meaning, transcendence, and worship.
What if "I go to prepare a place for you" doesn't mean heaven later—but the cross now? In today's episode, we explore John 14:2 in its true context and discover a more powerful comfort: access to the Father through Jesus' death and resurrection.
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Lectionary Challenge. In this kickoff episode, we explain what the challenge is, why we're using the Catholic lectionary, how to engage the readings each day, and what to expect from each episode. This isn't a devotional—it's a call to let Scripture shape you through submission, not selection. Let the journey begin.
Protestant Catholicism Many Protestants claim to reject Rome, but have rebuilt its system—only now it's performance-based, fruit-obsessed, and self-policed. This episode exposes how evangelicalism has traded the pope for personal authority, and the sacraments for spiritual effort—while losing the Gospel in the
More than a gesture, the sign of the cross is a physical confession of faith—a creed traced on the body. In this episode, we explore the biblical roots, historical development, and deep Trinitarian theology behind the phrase "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." We confront misconceptions, reclaim its meaning, and learn what it means to be marked by the name—body, soul, and spirit.
We discuss the first Homily of Pope Leo XIV CORRECTION: In the episode, I state that Pope Leo XIV quotes directly from Gaudium et Spes 22. Upon closer examination, he actually paraphrases its ideas without quoting it directly. The quotation I read is from the source document itself, not the homily. The theological themes are clearly referenced, but the words are not the Pope's. I apologize for the inaccuracy and thank you for your understanding.
Can your pastor afford to retire, educate their kids, and own a home? Rethinking the reality behind pastoral salaries.
We begin our study of Isaiah 43 by considering the history and ways Isaiah 43 has been misinterpreted.
A summary of our new interpretation of Matthew 16:21-28 and information about a free book
A look at a list of things we received in salvation and a discussion about if they are permanent or provisional.
A discussion about the book, Dwelling in His Presence: A 30-Day Journey into Christ-Centered Prayer Meditation.
A discussion about the book, Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race That Will Change the World
Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the apparent attack on a Christmas market
We discuss an issue that comes up during Christmas time that seems to confuse many Christians
We review a sermon on Hebrews 12:1-7 and try to put the passage into its proper historical context
A discussion about the changing religious landscape of America and the future of Christianity
For the last several years, the Catholic Church has noted an alarming increase in demonic possessions.
A look at the original Frankenstein novel and movie and what they teach us about Politics
We conclude our look at how Christianity has throughout history understood christians and the law of God.
We look at the history of how Christianity has understood the law of God and how it relates to Christians.
We look at the history of how Christianity has understood the law of God and how it relates to Christians.
We look at how Christianity has tried to explain the reality of sin throughout church history
We conclude our look at how Christianity has tried to explain the reality of sin throughout church history.
I believe 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 is one of the most misinterpreted sections of scripture in the Bible.
"They're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats, they're eating - they're eating the pets."
A look at my sister's story and how it is now a 2 part radio dramaHere is the link: https://unshackled.org/program/hope-part-1/Here is the link to Part 2: https://unshackled.org/program/hope-part-2/
A look at the new devotional book, Garden to Garden- Through the Bible from Eden to Eternal Paradise
Pastor John MacArthur says there is no such thing as mental illness, calls PTSD 'grief'
A discussion about a popular but possibly very wrong interpretation of Song of Solomon 2-1
We continue our study of John 15-1-7 by looking to the classic book, Abiding In Christ by Andrew Murray.
A discussion about a passage of scripture I don't like and the next focus for the Sermons 2.0 app challenge
To help you find your next favorite Christian podcast, I turn the spotlight on and discuss an award winning podcast.
We consider the way Lordship salvation destroys the proper distinction between law and gospel
A sermon review to try and understand why some pastors connect Colossians 1 with Matthew 13
Charles Stanley ministry to launch free online learning platform on anniversary of his death
For this episode of Theology Central Radio, we go back to May 6, 2019. The start of our study of Romans
Is Satan found in John 10-10-- I present the idea that Satan is not found in John 10-10
Is Satan found in John 10-10-- I present the idea that Satan is not found in John 10-10
I introduce a new week of bible study. This week we will study the topic of trust and John 14-1-6
I introduce a new week of bible study. This week we will be studying John 13-18-38 and the topic of Loyalty
I introduce a new week of bible study. This week we will be studying John 13-1-16. We will be looking at the topic of humble service.
Where can we find stability in an unstable world- We look for the answer in a devotional study of Habakkuk
A discussion about Narcissism and how it will be the characteristic of the end times church.
We introduce a new week of bible study. This week we will be looking at Genesis 42-48 and the subject of bitterness
Introduction to a new week of bible study. This week we will be studying Genesis 41-28-32,47-54
We introduce this weeks bible study exercise. This week we will be studying Genesis 39-1-19 and the subject of temptation.
A look at a recent death and it's connection to the doctrine of divine healing taught by the Assemblies of God.
We continue our study of Micah 5 by reviewing a sermon on the chapter. I do temporarily confuse Hezekiah with Ahaz. I do correct the mistake but want to acknowledge my mistake here as well.