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!
Tag Archives: God’s sovereignty
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.
God’s Freedom & Human Willing
Episode 412: Took time to provide an account of the nature of the will, both human will and God’s will. Broke down an Edwardsian model of thew will: nature –> desire –> will. More on divine foreknowledge as it relates to God’s power in relation to the created order. Defined will as “the mind choosing,” which is Jonathan Edwards’ definition also. Then explored the question, “How do you know you believe in Christ?” Spoiler: it’s related to the will.
I Know What You Did Next Summer, pt. 3
Episode 410: Any model of divine foreknowledge must flow consistently through Christ & the cross. In this episode, I unpack my critique of how Greg Boyd, from an open theist perspective, explains Acts 4.27-28 and argue in favor of God’s exhaustive providence, especially pertaining to the crucifixion of Christ. Then, we’ll take a peek at 1 Peter 1.20 to see further how God’s foreknowing of Christ, including his death & resurrection, informs divine foreordination.
I Know What You Did Next Summer, pt. 2
Episode 409: After a brief review of the positions & how they would answer the question, “Did God know about COVID-19 before it existed?” I unpack where I land with my own answer. Plus, interaction with open theism on Acts 4.27-28.
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? – The Purposes of Suffering
Episode 405: Have you heard about the genocide taking place in Myannmar? The government is systematically killing the Royinga Muslims in that country. So where is God in that mess? What could possibly be the reason for the awful suffering happening there? Tune in as I tackle a very tough subject.
Today in Church History: Charles Simeon Shouts Hallelujah! (1779)
Question of the Day: Do “eye for an eye” & “turn the other cheek” contradict each other?
Where is God in this Mess? – Interceding for Terrorists: Psalms of Imprecation [Update]
Episode 403: Boko Haram, ISIS, the government of Myanmar…all these terrorist organizations are guilty of unspeakable evil. How should Christians pray for these groups – both collectively & individually? What specifically should we pray? Are there any examples in the Bible of prayers made for oppressors? The Psalms of imprecation offer us examples & language which Christians can utilize in prayer for these brutal groups.
“It’s a Miracle!” – Healing Malchus
Episode 394: I cannot imagine how incredibly painful it would be to have my ear cut off. But it happened to a man named Malchus when he came to arrest Jesus. And Jesus restored him to wholeness. What do we learn from this miracle? Tune in as I discuss this miracle & what it means for us.
Today in Church History: Alexander Campbell was born (1788)
Christianity Today Article about Campbell
Question of the Day: I have heard “spare the rod, spoil the child” means to spank children. I also heard it means to discipline them. Which is correct?
Live from the Pulpit 