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: gospel
Student Loan Debt “Forgiveness” & the Gospel
Episode 414: Student loan debt “forgiveness,” so-called, has become a point of contention among Christians. There are even those who want to say that Christians who do not endorse and support student loan debt “forgiveness” “haven’t a clue what following Jesus is about.” I take this view to task and offer an overall critique of student loan debt “forgiveness” as proposed and how it differs fundamentally from the gospel. Full transcript available here.
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?
“It’s a Miracle!” – Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
Episode 391: It is amazing what we take for granted. In Luke 17.11-19, I believe we come across men who took for granted that Jesus could heal them. That assumption led them to just go about their lives without thanking God. Except for one “foreigner.” What can we learn from the miracle where Jesus heals ten lepers? Tune in as I explore this miracle & what it means for us today.
Today in Church History: Helena, mother of Constantine, dies (328)
Question of the Day: How many blind people were healed in the gospels?
“It’s a Miracle!” – Jesus Casts Demons Into Pigs
Episode 379: The kind of demon possession we read about in Matthew 8.28-33, Mark 5.1-20, & Luke 8.26-39 is perhaps the worst case of identity theft ever. What is the story about & why is there such a difference in the parallel accounts? How do we explain away the alleged contradictions that seem to be in these various accounts? Tune in & explore this miracle in depth to work through these difficulties to learn how they are actually easily explained.
Today in Church History: Polycarp faces the fires for Christ (155)
Question of the Day: Can people be demon-possessed today?
Working Together as the Hands of Christ
Episode 378: Paul says, “I…urge you…[be] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Although we are exhort to maintain peace, it seems like we allow church autonomy to handcuff and handicap our efforts at working together. What does it look like for churches to cooperate with one another? Tune in as we explore Acts 11 where the early church serves as a model for cooperation among churches.
Today in Church History: Philip Melanchthon was born (1497)
Question of the Day: Is a small church without elders or deacons a scriptural church?
Portraits of Grace 3 – The World’s Best Love Story
Episode 364: The story of Hosea is the tragedy of a broken marriage, both of the prophet of God & of God Himself. How can there be grace in such a sad, sordid story? Tune in as we find the grace of God behind the scenes & in the shadows of a loving husband’s actions toward an unloving wife.
Today in Church History: George Whitefield preaches his last sermon (1770)
Question of the Day: Are there degrees of punishment in hell?
Portraits of Grace (2): The World’s Weakest Strongest Man
Episode 363: As we continue our stroll through the gallery of grace which is the Old Testament, we come upon one of the more tragic figures: Samson. Of course, we typically do not think Samson as tragic; he’s a character we teach the children about with his incredible feats of strength. He reads more like a superhero than a sad story. Yet it is true. Samson’s story is a sad one. How is God’s grace on display in the life of Samson? Tune in as I explore how can use someone as flawed even as Samson.
Today in Church History: C.S. Lewis comes to believe in Jesus (1931)
Question of the Day: Are there degrees of reward in heaven?
Sojourners & Strangers
Episode 336: With all the issues du jour which can excite, depress, distress, & anger Christians, it is vital that we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ and in relation to the world. How should the Christian respond when faced with societal shifts & cultural changes? Tune in I breakdown the epistle of 1 Peter to see what Peter wrote to Christian exiles living under empire.
Prepared Not Panicked
Episode 335: Since the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last week social media has exploded into an idea food fight. Some Christians have inserted themselves into this firestorm. But how should Christians respond to the new law? Does Scripture give us any guidance on this? Tune in as I take a look at a well known Bible account which has an astonishing parallel.
Today in Church History: Lutheran Martin Niemoller arrested for resisting Nazi racism
Question of the Day: Why hasn’t God destroyed America?
Live from the Pulpit 