Episode 431: Liberal/Progressive theologians reinterpret the cross of Christ in a variety of ways. On this episode of the podcast, I tackle two primary ways liberal theologians distort the meaning of the cross of Christ: claiming the cross is “cosmic child abuse” and claiming “there is nothing divine in the blood of the cross.” Then, utilizing John R. W. Stott’s work, I explain the centrality of the cross to the life and message of Christ and why it was necessary for the Son of God to go to the cross.
Tag Archives: Christ
Divine Impeccability & Incarnation
Episode 427: “Could Jesus have sinned?” Most people assume that since Jesus was tempted, and for a temptation to be a true temptation it must be possible for the person tempted to sin, that “Yes, Jesus could have sinned.” In this episode, we cut this assumption out at the knees theologically and Christologically by situating divine impeccability, the doctrine that God is unable to sin, within the person of Christ, He being fully human and fully divine. Just in time for Epiphany!
Causes of Unbelief, part 3
Episode 426: The conclusion of the study where we explore the causes, both anthropological & theological, of unbelief. After a quick run through the final reason given by Wilbur Smith in chapter 3 of Therefore Stand, I turn to review & advance the reasons Jesus gives for people’s unbelief. I offer critique of a couple popular commentaries within the churches of Christ before wrapping everything up. A lot of ground covered in 30 minutes!
Causes of Unbelief, part 2
Episode 425: Why is it that some people believe but others do not? I pick up Wilbur Smith’s chapter “Some Reasons for the Unbelief of Men and Their Antagonism Toward God” from Therefore Stand, a prescient chapter which could have been written yesterday though it was written 80 years ago. Then, we discuss the theological reasons people do not believe based on Jesus’ words in John 10, esp. vs. 25-26.
Causes of Unbelief, part 1
Episode 423: Why is it that some people believe but others do not? I take a look at Wilbur M. Smith’s chapter “Some Reasons for the Unbelief of Men and Their Antagonism to God” from Therefore Stand which, while written nearly 80 years ago may as well have been written yesterday, outlines several causes of unbelief. Of his fifteen causes I look at six before, during the back half of the program, launching into Jesus’ explanation of unbelief from John 8.31-47, especially verse 46-47.
What Jesus Said & Demonic Origins
Episode 413: I take the recent statement, or lack thereof, of a California state congressman to task. His contention is that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality; I thoroughly refute his erroneous assertion. Then, we expose how the mask has come off and demonstrate from the comments of a confused young man that those who espouse woke ideology have bought into a demonic doctrine.
Where is God in This Mess? – Evil & the Crucified God
Episode 407: If a death row inmate’s death even hints at being the tiniest bit painful – LAWSUIT! Contrast this with Jesus who endures the worst imaginable suffering and death. So how is there victory in the death of Jesus? Tune in as I walk through the trauma & torture of the Son of God & what His death teaches us about suffering.
Question of the Day: Is capital punishment biblical?
Where is God in This Mess? – The Redemptive & Holy Purposes of Suffering
Episode 406: When it comes to pain, our culture is somewhat paradoxical: on the one hand, we will endure momentary pain for beauty (e.g. plucking eyebrows); on the other hand, we question why there is pain & suffering in the world. Can beauty come out of the ugliness of pain? Even self-inflicted pain for cultural beauty standards? Tune in as I explore the redemptive & holy purposes of suffering of Christ & the Christian.
Today in Church History: Handel’s Messiah is heard for the 1st time (1742)
Question of the Day: When you die, does your soul go straight to heaven?
Where is God in This Mess? – God Understands Suffering
Episode 404: Every major world religion must deal with the problem of pain & suffering & how they deal with it is a reflection of their theology. So what does Christianity offer which is distinctive & unique from other world religions? Tune in as I explore how the Christian God is neither disinterested in nor absent from the suffering in the world, but comes in the Son to suffer with & for His creation.
Question of the Day: Where should my friend start reading in the Bible?
“It’s a Miracle!” – The Second Miraculous Catch
Episode 399: It is similar but different. John 21 is another instance where Jesus helps His disciples catch a mess of fish. What is the significance of another miraculous catch of fish? Tune in as I walk through John 21 backwards to see how important this miracle & the events surrounding it are.
Today in Church History: St. Nicholas died (343) & Thomas Aquinas has a vision (1273)
Question of the Day: My children were raised in church, but have turned away from their faith and deny Christ. What can I do? What shouldn’t I do?
Live from the Pulpit 