Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Theocast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assurance of Salvation? (w/ Room for Nuance) | 02 Oct 2024 | 02:41:02 | |
Jon and Justin were recently invited onto the Room for Nuance podcast with Sean DeMars to discuss various topics surrounding assurance of salvation, law-gospel distinction, and the relationship between faith and works. We hope you find this conversation informative and encouraging! | |||
| The Gospel of Sincere Obedience | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:36:03 | |
Oh no, Jon and Justin are talking about obedience again. Yes, we are—and it’s an important subject because, to be frank, we truly want everyone who listens to this podcast to obey sincerely. The question is, how is that accomplished? There is no good news for those who only emphasize obedience. We have to look to a power beyond ourselves, and that’s what we’re going to be discussing today. | |||
| Where Is Jesus in My Suffering? (w/ Mike Abendroth) | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:53:19 | |
Today, it seems like if you are not suffering from some kind of ailment or cancer, you know someone who is or have had a family member or friend who has died because of it. It is a painful experience to watch someone lose their life and wither away. At times, our faith is crushed, and our assurance is called into question. Where is Jesus in all of this suffering? We have the privilege of hosting a special guest, Mike Abendroth, who has recently written a book about this experience from his own perspective. We know this will be encouraging for you. If you get an opportunity to purchase the book, we highly recommend it! | |||
| Smuggling Works into Faith (with Mike Abendroth) | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:41:58 | |
Jon and Justin are joined by Mike Abendroth, pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church and host of No Compromise Radio. The guys have a conversation about faith--and, in particular, how works are often smuggled into faith in the evangelical church. How do we appropriately define saving faith? How do we understand the relationship between faith and works? Why is it that obedience, love, and good works are regularly woven into the definition of faith? Semper Reformanda: Jon, Justin, and Mike talk more pointedly about Federal Vision, Lordship Salvation, final justification, and biblicism. What do all of these have in common? They all, in various ways, smuggle works into faith. Resources: Our episode: “Intro to Law and Gospel Distinction” Our episode: “Why I Left Lordship Salvation” Mike Abendroth’s Article: “My Pilgrimage from ‘Lordship’ to Law/Gospel” Our episode: “Do John Piper and Doug Wilson Obscure Faith Alone?” Mike Abendroth’s Book: “Gospel Assurance” | |||
| I've Never Known Love Like This | 14 Sep 2022 | 00:42:42 | |
We all tend to buy into the world's definition of love. We view love as transactional. And, if we're honest, love is really about our self-gratification. This understanding of love robs us of true joy in our relationships and it robs us of peace before God. The love of God for us is unconditional, sacrificial, and steadfast. We know what love is by looking to God's love for us. And we love because he first loved us. If we understand these things better, our relationships with one another in the church and in our homes will profit. Jon and Justin talk about these things in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on love by talking about the necessity of the means of grace in the church. That's right. If you're wondering how these things are connected, give the episode a listen. Resources: | |||
| Hard to Forgive | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:39:54 | |
In a fallen world, we sin against others--and we will be sinned against. Sometimes, we are sinned against in ways that are indescribably painful. In today's episode, Jon and Justin talk about forgiveness. It can be hard to forgive those who wrong us. And, yet, the teaching of the Scripture is clear. We are to forgive those who sin against us, as God in Christ has forgiven us. The guys have a compassionate and pastoral conversation about these matters. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more about forgiveness, the clarity of the Scripture on the matter, and how this is obscured in our day. The guys finish with thoughts about how forgiveness cannot be based upon our assessment of the quality of another person's repentance. Resources: Ask Theocast on "What if I'm struggling to forgive? Can I still have assurance?" | |||
| Church, Discernment, and Purity Culture | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:43:13 | |
In today's episode, the guys have a conversation about a very sensitive but important topic: sexuality. Over recent years and decades, there have been various approaches to how to handle issues of sexuality in the church. Jon and Justin talk honestly about their concerns regarding crass and crude language that is used to talk about sex--and the abuses of pastoral authority that often occur (e.g., Doug Wilson and Mark Driscoll). The guys also discuss their concerns with purity culture (Joshua Harris comes up here) and the very negative ways sex is portrayed in that kind of setting. There is a better and more biblical approach. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more about abuses of pastoral authority that occur in the church when it comes to sex in marriage. Then, the guys talk about how we often try to use outside means to address a heart-level problem. Resources: | |||
| When Two Baptists and Two Presbyterians Walk into a Podcast... | 24 Aug 2022 | 01:07:20 | |
Jon and Justin recently had the opportunity to be guests on the Guilt Grace Gratitude podcast. In this episode, two Baptists and two Presbyterians talk about confessionalism and the local church. The conversation is wide-ranging, including: confessions of faith, the objective work of Christ and his sufficiency, the law and the gospel, the ordinary means of grace, the mission of the church and the point of the Lord's Day gathering, the sacraments, the effects of revivalism and pietism, and much more. Resources: | |||
| Everyday Grace - New Podcast Announcement! | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:03:12 | |
In this short update, Jon and Justin announce Everyday Grace! A new daily short form podcast that features the pastoral work of the hosts as well as highlights from previous episodes of Theocast to help encourage listeners in Christ every day! | |||
| What Happened to Preaching? | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:39:39 | |
The guys continue the series on the means of grace by discussing preaching. What has happened to the preaching of the word of Christ? Jon and Justin begin by distinguishing preaching from teaching. Then, they consider the preaching event. It is an event. (Live streams and sermon audio is not preaching.) The guys conclude with a lengthy discussion on the content of preaching. Preaching is to extol and herald the person and work of Christ in the place of sinners, and preaching requires the right dividing of law and gospel. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about some of the critiques that are raised against Christ-centered, redemptive-historical preaching, along with the false dichotomy introduced between grammatical-historical and redemptive-historical approaches to exegesis. (Warning: It's a passionate discussion.) Resources: | |||
| What Happened to Communion? | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:39:25 | |
The sacrament of communion was given to us by God as a means of His grace. In the Lord's Supper, Jesus is really and spiritually present to minister to us. We are confirmed in the faith and in all the benefits of Christ's death. We are nourished, sustained, and strengthened through receiving the bread and the cup. In other words, the Table is for our assurance and for our growth in the faith. Sadly, this is not how communion is typically talked about in the church. What happened? Why is it not talked about this way? In today's episode Jon and Justin have a theological, historical, and biblical conversation about communion as a means of grace. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss Reformed worship--and communion as a part of that. In addition, the guys give some thoughts regarding churches that do not observe communion regularly. Resources: | |||
| What Happened to Baptism? | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:38:37 | |
The sacrament of baptism was given to us by God as a means of His grace. Baptism is about our union with Christ. It is a sign of being grafted into him in his life, death, and resurrection. It is a sign of the remission of our sins. It is a sign of God's promise to keep us unto salvation. Sadly, this is not how baptism is typically talked about in the church. What happened? Why is it not talked about this way? In today's episode Jon and Justin have a theological, historical, and biblical conversation about baptism as a means of grace. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue to discuss baptism as a sign of our union with Christ. In particular, the guys consider how pietism, revivalism, and Arminianism have affected how many have understood union with Christ--and thereby, baptism. Resources: | |||
| God's Will Hunting | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:39:18 | |
In today's episode, the guys talk about God's will. Many Christians agonize over the will of God for their lives. Is there a secret will of God that we are called to discern? Can we make decisions that put us outside the will of God? Has God spoken to what His will is for our lives? Jon and Justin consider these things and more. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on the will of God. What do we say to people who fear they have ruined their lives through a past sin? Resources: | |||
| There Is No Power in the Law | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:40:24 | |
Some of you are probably really concerned about this title, thinking we've gone too far. Well, we're here to defend not ourselves, but to show you from Scripture that all power remains in Christ and Him crucified. The law is only here to guide or convict us. We're going to talk about the different uses of the law, but the law is powerless to save and powerless to sanctify. Let us prove it to you from Scripture. Our episode on the Three Uses of the Law | |||
| I Come to the Garden Alone? | 06 Jul 2022 | 00:40:52 | |
The title for today's episode comes from a 20th century hymn. That hymn is illustrative of the common mindset in the evangelical church--that the real stuff of the Christian life happens when we are alone. Is that what the New Testament teaches? How is it that we grow in the faith? How is it that we become mature in Christ? Jon and Justin consider these questions and discuss how the Christian life is inherently corporate, how devotion is church-shaped, and how the corporate realities of the gathered church drive our private lives. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin give some of their perspective on personal time of Bible reading and prayer. What are healthier ways to approach these things? How does the corporate life of the church help us devotional lives? Resources: | |||
| Prayer Requires Righteousness | 29 Jun 2022 | 00:35:22 | |
This is the second of at least two episodes from James 5. In James 5:16, the apostle writes that the prayer of a righteous person is effective. This raises the question: is righteousness required for prayer? If so, what kind of righteousness is James talking about? He gives the example of Elijah and how effective his prayers were. How are we to understand that? Jon and Justin discuss all of this--and more in today's podcast. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about positional and personal righteousness. And, the guys go in on pietism and revivalism, in particular, as to how these things have resulted in confusion and have hindered us in approaching God. Resources: | |||
| Prayer for Healing | 22 Jun 2022 | 00:36:26 | |
This is the first of at least two episodes from James 5. In James 5:14, the apostle writes that if a person is sick he should have the elders of the church anoint him and pray for him. Then he says that the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. How are we to understand this? What kind of healing is in view? What is the prayer of faith? Jon and Justin consider these questions and more. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk in more depth about interpreting the Bible. They consider tools that help us interpret the Bible, as well as how we should approach debated passages. Resources: | |||
| The Self-Validation Project | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:34:44 | |
In the church, we can struggle to rightly understand and apply the grace of God in Christ. We know we need grace on the front end of salvation, but then, once in, we flip to an economy of merit. And now, we're just collecting stars and earning cookies. It is as though we think that through our working we can retroactively vindicate God's saving of us and turn ourselves into the kind of people God would've been happy to save in the first place. In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about how the Christian life is a project of self-validation for many. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue to consider how a lot of teaching today communicates that the Christian life is a project of validating ourselves as legitimate. The guys talk about the effects of unhealthy introspection, as well as better motivations for Christian living. Resources: | |||
| Is the Law Relevant Today? | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:38:40 | |
In this third of three episodes on God's law, Jon and Justin talk about the threefold division of the law. This conversation is important for anyone who has ever wondered what to make of all the laws God gave to Israel in the Old Testament. What is binding for us today? What is not? What do some of these obscure sounding commands have to do with us in the new covenant era? In short, the confessional, Reformed understanding of the threefold division of the moral, ceremonial, and judicial law is very helpful for our understanding. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider the fourth commandment in depth regarding the Sabbath day. There is some division of opinion--even amongst Reformed types--as to what observance of the Lord's Day should look like. The distinction between the moral and ceremonial law is a factor, as is one's understanding of covenant theology. Resources: | |||
| Intro to Three Uses of the Law | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:36:16 | |
In this second of three episodes on God's law, Jon and Justin talk about the three uses of the law. In considering the three uses of the law, we are essentially answering the question, "Why did God give the law?" The first use of the law is to show us our sin and drive us to Christ. The second use is to teach all men right and wrong--and to restrain our corruption. The third use is to serve as the guide for our living in Christ. Without these uses in view, we are prone to make all kinds of errors in our application and understanding of God's law. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider how the uses of the law are often collapsed in our day and the resulting fallout of this confusion. In contending for the uses of the law, we are simply seeking to use the law lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8). Resources: First episode in this series: "Intro to Law and Gospel Distinction" | |||
| Intro to Law and Gospel Distinction | 25 May 2022 | 00:33:21 | |
In this first of three episodes on God's law, Jon and Justin talk about the distinction between the law and the gospel. The law and the gospel are both contained in the Old and New Testaments, respectively. The law and the gospel are distinct and ought not be mixed--and, yet, they are complementary in God's economy of salvation. The guys introduce the listener to this historically Reformed doctrine and consider why it is so important. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider how covenant theology and law/gospel distinction complement one another in a Reformed theological framework. The guys talk about how useful these tools are for rightly understanding the Scriptures. Resources: | |||
| Stop Trying to Make Sense of Suffering | 18 May 2022 | 00:44:39 | |
Often in the church, we try to figure out exactly what God is doing when we are going through difficult things. Simply put, we shouldn't do that. The secret things belong to the Lord, and we are not privy to the counsel of God when it comes to our suffering. In today's episode, Jon and Justin aim to point out things that God has clearly revealed and promised to us in his Word. We do have an unshakable hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is what we cling to--in the midst of joy or pain. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on suffering by considering less-than-good ways suffering is talked about and dealt with in the church. We have a gentle, patient, and merciful Savior. This should inform how we interact with one another in the midst of pain. Resources: | |||
| Gospel Power for the Weary | 11 May 2022 | 00:40:48 | |
In today's episode, Jon and Justin aim to have a pastoral conversation with two groups of people in view. First, those who are beat down and weary, who are seeking to find rest. And second, those who have found rest in Christ but still wrestle with what that rest means for their Christian lives. Where does the power for sanctification come from? What do we do now that we know Christ has done everything for our salvation? Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin have a fun conversation about Jesus, calming down, assessing ourselves honestly, looking to God's Word, and loving our brothers and sisters. Resources: Our episode on "How Pietism Ruins Good Works" https://youtu.be/19OhlchARt0
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| John Piper on Holiness | 04 May 2022 | 00:53:38 | |
In this episode, Jon and Justin discuss a message recently given by John Piper on Christ's death and the holiness of the believer. The guys interact with clips from the message and seek to consider it from a biblical, confessional, and Reformed perspective. At Theocast, we are in complete agreement that Christ's work has secured the holiness of the saints. Significant things to consider along these lines are: union with Christ; the active obedience of Christ; the relationship of justification and sanctification; and the proper way to preach the law and the gospel. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on the holiness of believers. The guys consider better--and more biblical--ways to pursue and instill holiness in the church. Resources: | |||
| What Does America Need? | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:37:54 | |
People often criticize us here at Theocast, saying that we are not concerned about society, the culture in which we live, or even the country of which we are citizens. So today, Jon and Justin are going to address that. We're going to discuss the gospel and what the Lord is doing in building His church. How do all of these things affect our perspectives on society, culture, and the countries in which we live? We hope that this is encouraging and clarifying for you. | |||
| Following Jesus Is Not the Gospel | 26 Apr 2022 | 00:43:19 | |
Following Jesus is not the gospel. There are a number of things that are fruits of regeneration and fruits of the gospel that are not the gospel. Biblically speaking, the gospel has nothing to do with us whatsoever. The gospel is completely about the person and work of Jesus Christ, our substitute and mediator. Jon and Justin talk about the fruit of the gospel, the order of salvation, and justification from a confessional, reformed perspective. Semper Reformanda: The guys talk about the legitimacy of using confessions and of critiquing the doctrine of notable figures. Then, they go into more depth on some of the ways justification is under assault in our day. Resources: | |||
| Stop Taking Jesus Out of the Bible | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:48:11 | |
We believe that all of the Bible--from Genesis to Revelation--is a testimony about Jesus. We believe there is law and gospel in the Old and New Testaments. These convictions are historical, confessional, Reformed convictions. Yet, many in our day get very nervous about seeing Christ in all of the Bible and of understanding the Scriptures in terms of law and gospel. Our fear is that, at the end of it, well-meaning people discourage the saints from seeing Christ for them in all of the Scriptures. Jon and Justin talk about this on today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue to talk (passionately) about the tendency of many to remove Jesus from many passages of the Bible. Then the guys talk about how effective the heralding of Christ actually is. Resources: Introduction to Covenant Theology: https://youtu.be/iCfzmujnlHo Desiring God Article: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/exposition-or-imposition The Master's Seminary Article: https://blog.tms.edu/is-christ-in-every-verse Grace To You Article: https://www.gty.org/library/articles/A235/reexamining-the-eternal-sonship-of-christ #reformedtheology #preachingChrist #theocast | |||
| Exciting Update: Gospel Advancement | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:39:06 | |
Jon and Justin talk about the start of a new network of confessional Baptist churches, called the Grace Reformed Network. The guys explain the need for the network, as well as the theological positions of the network. If you'd like to learn more, please visit gracereformednetwork.org Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more personally about what led to starting the Grace Reformed Network and the need for more confessional churches. | |||
| There Will Be Weakness | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:43:53 | |
We are often made to think that the Christian life is one where we move from triumph to triumph--and from spiritual experience to spiritual experience. But that is not reality. It is not the promise of the Scripture. This side of the resurrection, we are learning to trust Christ in the midst of weakness and the battle against the flesh. We are learning to depend more upon grace. It is not a bad thing for us to come to a place where we know Christ is all we have. The guys consider all of this in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin answer listener questions on Two Kingdoms doctrine and also on views of eschatology as it relates to the redemptive-historical framework of Scripture. Resources: FREE EBOOK Theocast.org/primer | |||
| What Must I Do to Be Saved? | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:43:12 | |
Jon and Justin seek to answer the question, "What must I do to be saved?" This is a question that was posed to Jesus at numerous points. The apostles also addressed this question repeatedly. The guys consider two parables from the Lord Jesus: the Good Samaritan and the Rich Young Man; and also a passage from the apostle Paul: Romans 2:6-13. Reformed categories of law and gospel are essential if we are going to rightly understand these passages. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider how obedience is talked about in a context where law and gospel are confused. The guys talk about so much of what is preached is effectively easy-listening legalism and prosperity theology. Resources: | |||
| Do John Piper and Doug Wilson Obscure Faith Alone? | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:47:41 | |
Do John Piper and Doug Wilson Obscure Faith Alone? Here is how we approach this question in today's episode. Every generation has to come to grips with the gospel. The imputation of the righteousness of Christ to sinners--as our whole and only righteousness--has often been under assault in the history of the church. It is in our day in the form of the Federal Vision and the teaching of final justification. Jon and Justin engage with both of these errors today in an effort to clarify and defend the heart of the gospel, which is the righteousness of Christ counted to sinners. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin go into more depth on the Federal Vision and then contend for the importance of confessions of faith, as well as the safety provided by a sound theological framework. Resources: | |||
| Repenting of Repentance | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:42:39 | |
Repentance is a threatening word for many in the church. It shouldn't be. Repentance is often taught and discussed in a way that is unhelpful. In this episode, Jon and Justin consider repentance from a biblical and Reformed perspective. God is the one who repents us. Repentance, at its heart, is an agreement with God and a siding with God against our sin. The turning we do in repentance is always a turning to Christ. And, it is possible to be repentant even in the midst of ongoing sin. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue to talk about repentance and ways in which discussion of the topic typically goes off the rails. Rather than weaponizing repentance and sanctification, there is a better way. Resources: | |||
| What Robs Us of Joy? | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:41:48 | |
Building off of last week's episode, when we find no joy or rest in our religion, we tend to seek it elsewhere. Christians are prone to clutter their lives will all kinds of things that might be good--but they end up keeping us from the things that will truly bring us joy. On top of this, we naturally think that we need to do things to find rest, when, in reality, we rest in order to do. Jon and Justin talk about all of this on today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk personally about leaving pietism and about the spiritual abuse that even occurs in some environments. The guys close by considering how Jesus, himself, is the gospel. Resources: | |||
| The Quest for Religious Experience | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:43:06 | |
Is the Christian life one where believers move from spiritual experience to spiritual experience? Or from triumph to triumph? Or is the Christian life one where we learn to trust Christ in the midst of weakness and the battle against sin? What does it mean to be satisfied in Christ? Jon and Justin seek to answer these questions and consider how the quest to find true religion in anything subjective leaves us unsettled and exhausted. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk personally about what a subjective emphasis in religion tends to produce--and then the guys turn to consider how the gifts of God to us don't have anything to do with us. Resources: | |||
| Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2) | 16 Feb 2022 | 00:44:30 | |
In this episode, Jon and Justin consider James 2, and in particular, the apostles' assertion that faith without works is dead. How should we understand this in the context of the entire letter of James? How has our quest for personal religious experience clouded our understanding of a passage like James 2? What are the good works we should be concerned with? And how is it that the commands of God are not burdensome? The guys discuss all this and more. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more about the clear emphasis of the New Testament that the saints love one another. The guys also touch on the confusion that exists around good works in the church today. Resources: | |||
| Psalm 1 Is NOT About You | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:36:08 | |
One of the most famous Psalms that nearly everyone reads is Psalm 1. Jon and Justin want to highlight the distinction between the law and the gospel in Psalm 1, showing that it is not about how God blesses those who obey Him. Psalm 1 is not about you! You don't appear until Psalm 2, and that is where the gospel is! | |||
| Christian, You Are Not on Parole | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:43:19 | |
As a Christian, do you ever feel like you are on probation or even on parole? As though you've been set free from prison, but now you need to do well enough to be finally free from fear and the threat of punishment? Many of us feel this way. Many in the church talk this way. Jon and Justin consider justification and the finished work of Christ--and what that means for the Christian life in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about final justification and why it is harmful. Then, the guys move on to consider being a fruitful Christian, as well as the writing of John Owen. Enjoy! Resources: | |||
| How Pietism Ruins Good Works | 02 Feb 2022 | 00:47:58 | |
When we preach the gospel, there are often objections. One of the most common is, "Yeah, but what about good works?" In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about good works from a confessional perspective. What are good works? Who and what are they for? Why do we do them? How do we do them? The guys answer these questions and consider how pietism has damaged our thinking about good works. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider how pietism has made us less effective in doing biblical good works for the good of neighbor and honor of God. The guys also talk about how the contemporary church has much more in common with the medieval church than many would like to admit. Resources: | |||
| The Law, the Gospel, and Sanctification | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:45:22 | |
Jon and Justin have a free and frank conversation about the law, the gospel, and sanctification. Oftentimes, the law and the gospel are confused. The law is relativized. The gospel is made to sound hard. And sanctification sounds terrible. This isn't how it should be. The guys consider the work of Christ in fulfilling the law as a covenant of works, the freedom that Christ has secured for us, and how God's law and work of sanctification are great things for the believer. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about good works. There are many good works emphasized in the church today that are nowhere to be found in the Scriptures. What are good works, biblically defined? What are some of the good works that are clear in Scripture that just aren't talked about in the church? Resources: | |||
| Why the Gospel Terrifies Christians | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:51:12 | |
It sounds a little crazy to say that the gospel terrifies Christians. But it clearly does. Christians are prone to qualify the grace of God in Christ. Christians are prone to hedge on justification by faith alone. At times, Christians can even be unsettled by the preaching of Christ from all of Scripture. Why are these things so? Jon and Justin consider history, fear-based theology, pietism, law/gospel confusion, and Christ-centered preaching in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on why the gospel is frightening for Christians. The guys answer some potential objections to a reformed understanding of the sufficiency of Christ. Resources: | |||
| If I Knew Then What I Know Now | 12 Jan 2022 | 00:48:42 | |
Today's episode is a little different than normal. Jon and Justin talk personally and autobiographically about their pilgrimage into finding rest--from a confessional and covenantal perspective. If you have been listening to Theocast for some time, we hope this encourages you. If you are newer, this will be a good and personal introduction to a number of the things we regularly discuss. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin hone in on the Christian life--and how a confessional perspective is completely different than that of pietism. Resources: | |||
| This World Is a Sinking Ship | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:46:29 | |
We all tend to hope in things of this world that will ultimately disappoint us. Our anger and frustration and despair make this abundantly clear. Jon and Justin talk about some of these things we tend to hope in--and how the church, at points, has only encouraged us to do so. At the end of it all, peace, rest, and hope can only be found in Jesus Christ and the promises God has made to us in him. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more about how we tend to place our hope in things that cannot deliver. The guys also consider the theology of the cross and how we need to constantly remind one another of the hope we have in Christ. Resources: | |||
| Christmas is Scandalous (with 1517) | 21 Dec 2021 | 00:36:18 | |
In today’s episode, Jon and Justin have a conversation with friends from 1517 on the scandal of Christmas. We grow accustomed to talking about God becoming a man in order to suffer and die to save his people. But that is shocking news! Who would have ever planned salvation this way? We certainly would not have. But God did. The group discusses the humanity of Jesus, the purpose of the incarnation, the struggle of the disciples to understand the mission of Christ, as well as the point of Christmas. Podcast: 30 Minutes in the New Testament - Chad Bird & Daniel Emry Price 40 Minutes in the Old Testament - Eric Sorensen & Daniel Emry Price | |||
| Mercy for Those Who Doubt | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:47:06 | |
In today's episode, Jon and Justin consider two kinds of people: the people who are arrogant in their sin and do not think they need mercy; and the people who doubt and struggle wondering if there is in fact mercy for them. The guys talk about the law and the gospel, church discipline, and the posture of God toward the weak. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk further about observations they have made in the church regarding those who doubt and those who are arrogant in their sin. The guys get into church discipline, as well as how pastors have failed to rightly divide the law and the gospel. Resources:
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| Can't Believe I Did It Again | 08 Dec 2021 | 00:49:13 | |
We all battle besetting, habitual sin. The normal experience of the Christian in this fallen world is to battle against the corruption of our flesh. This war will go on until we die or Christ returns. We struggle to process this battle, though. We are often discouraged. And the church hasn't always helped. In this episode, Jon and Justin have a historical, theological, and biblical discussion on the battle against the flesh and the hope of Christ. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin answer some potential objections. They also consider how the grace that justifies is the grace that sanctifies, as well as the Christian's need for the church. Resources: | |||
| Narnia, the Reformation, & Hopelessness | 01 Dec 2021 | 00:50:07 | |
Many of us, if we are honest, often live lives characterized by fear and hopelessness. This is the plight common to fallen man, true. But how has the church failed to help the saints have hope and peace? Jon and Justin talk about how a recovery of sound doctrine and of a confessional, otherworldly perspective is essential for our hope, peace, and rest. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin consider some of the most significant issues of doctrine that the saints need to be acquainted with. These include: a confessional perspective, law/gospel distinction, uses of the law, and covenant theology. Resources: | |||
| Missing the Gospel in John 3 | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:42:34 | |
In listening to a lot of preaching today, it's clear that it's possible to talk about the gospel or even about the work of God without actually getting around to preaching the gospel itself—preaching Jesus Christ for sinners. This can happen with any number of passages, but today Jon and Justin are going to have a conversation about a well-known text: the interchange between Jesus and Nicodemus from John chapter three. There's a lot of truly epic content in this passage, including the sovereign grace of God, the work of God, and regeneration in the new birth. Unfortunately, the gospel message within this passage—the Son of Man being lifted up for us—is often not talked about enough. We hope this discussion is encouraging and clarifying for you. | |||
| The Resting Heart Rate of the Christian Life | 17 Nov 2021 | 00:51:32 | |
What is the resting heart rate of the Christian life? From a biblical and Reformed perspective, it is union with Christ. By faith, we are in Christ, and everything that is ours is his. Through union with Christ, we are justified, sanctified, and glorified. And, we are also united to one another in Christ. God has given us the church, the ministry of the word, and the sacraments. These, too, are about our union with Jesus. Jon and Justin consider all of these things in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue to talk about the inherently corporate nature of the Christian life, as well as how union with Christ produces unity in the church. Resources: | |||
| Have We Missed the Point of Church? | 10 Nov 2021 | 00:46:33 | |
Have we missed the point of church? From a Reformed, confessional perspective, it seems we have. In short, the point of church is the forgiveness of sins, the declaration of righteousness on account of Christ, and the fellowship of the saints. If these things are rightly understood, the question, "Why do you need the church?", answers itself. Jon and Justin consider all of this and how the church is the way God sustains his people in this life. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about plans for something called the Grace Reformed Network. The guys also consider more implications of a confessional perspective on church. Resources: | |||
| A Guide to Deconstructing | 03 Nov 2021 | 00:52:05 | |
There seem to be a number of people "deconstructing" these days--and by that we mean deconstructing the Christian faith and leaving it. At Theocast, we are not unfamiliar with deconstruction. We do some deconstructing of unhelpful theology in an effort to pull people toward the sufficiency of Christ for sinners. On this episode, Jon and Justin make observations about the "Christianity" people are leaving, as well as offer thoughts on how to do deconstructing well. Semper Reformanda: The guys continue the conversation on deconstructing by speaking more to those in a confessional environment about the dangers of always having to be against something. Ultimately, we need to remember that the goal of everything we do is for the saints to rest in Jesus Christ. Resources: | |||