Explore every episode of the podcast Reasonable Theology Podcast
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Hark The Herald Angels Sing: A Hymn Story
10 déc. 2024
00:06:17
Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years. But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
That's seems odd, of course. Our calendar is broken up into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (anno Domini, the year of our Lord) so doesn’t that mean Jesus was born in year one (since we don’t count year zero)?
Actually, the issue is a bit more complex than that.
Although the Gospel writers did not focus primarily on preserving a precise chronological history of Jesus’ life and ministry, we can still approximate some key dates by comparing historical markers with passages of Scripture.
Let's take a look at what we know from Scripture and history.
The Nicene Creed: Who Wrote It and Why Was It Written? | Ep 93
22 nov. 2024
00:25:11
The Nicene Creed is one of the most significant statements of faith in Christian history. But have you ever wondered how it came to be?
This video reveals the historical events, people, and controversies that led to its formation. We'll look at the turmoil of the Roman Empire at the time of Constantine and survey the fierce theological disagreements about Jesus’ divinity. You’ll meet key figures like Athanasius, Alexander, Arius, and learn how their competing views brought about the need for a creed.
We’ll also explore why the Nicene Creed still matters, from its role in uniting the early church to its relevance in understanding core Christian doctrine. Whether you’re familiar with the Creed or hearing about it for the first time, this episode will give you a clear and engaging look at a defining moment in church history.
00:00:39 - What is a Creed? 00:01:22 - The Historical Cycle: Controversy, Council, Creed 00:02:29 - The Role of Constantine 00:04:58 - The Controversy and Key Players 00:07:41 - The Council of Nicaea 00:10:57 - The Creed of Nicaea 00:12:22 - Post-Creed Controversy 00:15:06 - The Death of Arius 00:17:13 - Post-Nicaea Drama and Controversy 00:18:02 - Council of Constantinople 00:20:52 - The Importance of the Nicene Creed Today 00:21:33 - Theological Issues in Today's Church
_______________________________ Want to memorize the Nicene Creed? This song can help! _______________________________
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Salvation by Grace Alone — A Sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10
12 nov. 2024
00:41:22
The doctrine of Sola Gratia, or salvation by grace alone, is a central truth of the Gospel. Scripture is clear that we cannot earn forgiveness by our works, but only through the free gift of God's grace made available to use through faith in Christ.
Listen to this sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10 as we consider the universal need for grace, the unearned gift of grace, and the ultimate result of grace.
Ephesians 2:1-10 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
We are called by Scripture to be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is within us. These 6 apologetics books will equip you with not only the information but also the mindset needed to articulate the truth claims of Christianity to others.
Martin Luther: The Man Who Sparked the Reformation
16 oct. 2024
00:20:44
Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.
On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Why Elders are Vital for Church Leadership | Examining Titus 1:5-9
12 oct. 2024
00:28:43
What does the Bible say about the role of elders in the church?
On this episode, we explore the biblical foundation for church leadership, looking at key passages that outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and importance of elders in guiding the body of Christ.
Discover how biblical eldership supports healthy, thriving churches and how this leadership structure follows the example set in the New Testament.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Who Were the 12 Apostles? Facts About Each Disciple
28 sept. 2024
00:19:14
Who were the 12 Apostles? Do you think you could name them all without looking it up?
In this video, we'll consider the lives of Jesus' closest disciples, exploring their backgrounds, where they appear in Scripture, their roles in spreading Christianity, and what tradition teaches about their deaths.
Maintaining a Healthy Church Body — A Sermon on Romans 12:3-8
17 sept. 2024
00:41:55
The health and effectiveness of a church depends on the health and effectiveness of each individual believer, just as the health and vitality of your physical body is dependent on its individual parts.
Romans 12:3-8 says: For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
As we consider how members of a local church body are to contribute to the health of their congregations, we will look first at humility, secondly at unity, and thirdly at responsibility. Humility, Unity, and Responsibility.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
As RC Sproul has said, “The issue for Christians is not whether we are going to be theologians, but whether we are going to be good theologians or bad ones.”
These books are trustworthy resources to help you become a better theologian.
Preview Episode: Spurgeon Legacy Podcast - An Interview with Biographer Alex DiPrima
15 août 2024
00:45:43
I’ve been doing some exciting work on a project I told you about earlier in the year. I’ve taken on CHSpurgeon.com and have been building up the content of that site dedicated to edifying resources by and about the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
And so I’m especially excited to announce a brand new podcast – The Spurgeon Legacy Podcast.
While I’ll continue to create articles, videos, and podcast episodes here at Reasonable Theology, going forward you can find all things Spurgeon-related over at CHSpurgeon.com. If you enjoy Spurgeon, I encourage you to subscribe to the Spurgeon Legacy podcast on your favorite player, and I hope you enjoy this preview episode, where I’ve interviewed Alex DiPrima about his new book, Spurgeon: A Life – A Biography of the Prince of Preachers.
In our conversation we’ll discuss why there is a need for a new biography of Spurgeon, important events and aspects of his life and ministry, why he is rightly called the Prince of Preachers, and the reason his legacy continues to this day.
You can subscribe to the Spurgeon Legacy Podcast in your favorite podcast app and learn more at CHSpurgeon.com/Legacy
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
All of our theological studies must begin with and be checked against the Word of God. These resources will help you dig deeper into Scripture:
📙 A Study Bible There are lots of good ones out there. Consider: - The ESV Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3s4jcU8) - Reformation Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3OyaeWS) - MacArthur Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3QtE5lC) - NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible (https://amzn.to/3KybyHY)
Knowing the Holy Spirit — Costi Hinn Interview (Replay)
01 août 2024
00:58:27
The Holy Spirit has been referred to as the “forgotten member of the Trinity.” At one extreme there are those who all but ignore the person and work of the Spirit and at the other extreme there are those who stray from Scripture in seeking to harness the power of the Spirit for their own purposes.
We don’t want to commit either of these errors, but instead we desire to have a right understanding of and appreciation for the Holy Spirit.
On this episode we’ll talk with Costi Hinn, who grew up in the extremes of the Word of Faith Movement but was saved and now serves as the Pastor as well as the founder and president of For the Gospel.
We’ll discuss the common misconceptions about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, how Christians can discern whether something is of the Spirit or not, what it means to worship in Spirit and in truth, and how we are to understand practices like speaking in tongues or prophesying.
This is a great conversation that will help you better understand and appreciate the person and work of the Spirit in your everyday life.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
A Full View of Our Salvation — A Sermon on Romans 8:28-30
24 juil. 2024
00:43:46
Just as one cannot see the entire Mississippi river when standing in its headwaters, believers initially see only a part of their salvation when they come to Christ.
Romans 8:28-30 provides a high enough vantage point to reveal that God’s work in salvation begins in eternity past with His foreknowledge and extends into eternity future with our glorification.
This full view assures believers of the certainty and security of their salvation, providing comfort amid present sufferings and confidence in God’s unchanging purpose.
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope
19 juil. 2024
00:37:27
Life-expectancy worldwide is twice what it was a hundred years ago. And because of modern medicine, many of us don’t often see death up close. That makes it easy to live as if death is someone else’s problem. It isn’t.
On this archive episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we sit down with Matthew McCullough, a pastor and author who recently published a book called Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope.
When we ignore our own mortality, we lose out on much of what Scripture has for us to learn. As McCullough states, "When the reality of death is far from our minds, the promises of Jesus often seem detached from our lives."
In this episode we'll discuss:
The reason that death is, for many of us, like a foreign country
Cultural changes that have occurred that allow us to 'forget' the reality of death
The negative consequences of death becoming taboo
What believers miss out on when they forget death
The benefits of remembering our mortality (and why it's much more than carpe diem)
How our view of death impacts how we respond to the promises of Christ
Practical (and non-morbid!) steps we can take to remember death
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Examining America's Christian Heritage with Mark David Hall
02 juil. 2024
00:45:25
Did the United States truly have a Christian founding, or were the Founders simply Deists who desired to create a secular nation?
This question has been hotly debated for generations, and our society increasingly regards the idea of America's Christian heritage as something to be minimized, rejected, or denied.
So what is the truth regarding the faith of the Founders and how it influenced their actions as they fought a revolution and brought forth a new nation?
To answer this question we're speaking with historian Mark David Hall. Hall is one of the most distinguished scholars of early American history. He is a professor, a nationally-recognized expert on religious freedom, and the author of several books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding?
In this conversation we'll discuss how Christianity shaped our nation, how much impact deism actually had on some of the Founders, the true meaning of the separation of church and state, and how we can return to the biblical founding principles that made America a great nation.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
The Truth in True Crime: Life Lessons from a Homicide Detective | Ep 92
19 juin 2024
00:47:32
Back when he was an avowed atheist, J Warner Wallace put his skills as a cold-case homicide detective to work investigating the claims of the Gospels and became a follower of Jesus. Now he is a speaker, apologist, and an author as well as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries.
We’ll discuss our culture’s fascination with true crime and murder mysteries and the important life lessons that Wallace learned over his career investigating real-life cases and what these lessons teach us about ourselves and our Creator.
In our conversation we’ll talk about the importance of humility, how the Gospel on impacts every area of life, and the cautionary lessons we learn from the bad guys he’s helped put away.
The Truth in True Crime takes lessons learned from crime scene investigations and, more importantly, found in the pages of Scripture and distills them into 15 principles that everyone should know and pursue.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Our Heavenly Citizenship: A Sermon on Philippians 3:20-4:3
18 juin 2024
00:43:51
In Pauls' letter to the Philippians, we find a profound analogy for Christians living in this world: just as the citizens of Philippi lived as Romans despite their geographical distance from Rome, believers are called to live as citizens of heaven while residing on earth.
The Philippians embraced Roman customs, language, and loyalty because they cherished the glory and power of Rome. Similarly, Christians must embrace the customs and values of their heavenly kingdom, prioritizing their allegiance to Christ above all earthly ties.
In this sermon we'll look at how this heavenly citizenship impacts our everyday lives as well as the relationships we build within the church, helping us focus on eternal things rather than getting caught up in the temporary concerns of this world.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
How to Read a Book — A Conversation with Andy Naselli | Ep 91
29 mai 2024
00:33:26
What does it mean to be well-read? How can we choose which books are worth our time and which ones aren’t? Is it okay to give up on a book we’re not enjoying? Do audiobooks ‘count’ as reading?
On this episode of the podcast we’re tackling all of these questions and a lot more.
Our guest is Andy Naselli, professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and author of How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers.
We’ll talk about the importance of reading in the Christian life, how we can overcome some bad reading habits, different ‘layers’ of reading, how to instill a love of books in our kids, and more.
As always, I’ve taken the notes for you on the show notes page below, where you can find additional information and links to the resources we talk about. _____________________________________
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Each week, Christians around the world gather to worship with their local congregations. How this looks varies from church to church, but there are some aspects that should always be included. Here are 4 essential elements of a worship service.
All Things Together for Good - A Sermon on Romans 8:28
20 mai 2024
00:39:03
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
This is a well-known and well-loved verse, and yet it is commonly misused, misunderstood, and misapplied. The problem is not that people misuse Romans 8:28 by making it say too much, but by making it say too little.
If we do not understand what it is that Romans 8:28 is promising – and particularly what it means when it says that all things work together for good – we will exchange an abiding, unshakeable, certain hope for a flimsy “look on the sunny side of life” platitude.
The point of Romans 8:28 is not that God is working out ‘all things’ to give you comfort in life, but that He is working out all things to bring you into conformity with Christ.
In this sermon we examine the context, the conditions, and the confirmation of this great promise.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Puritan Wisdom for Today's Church: A Conversation w/ Don Kistler | Ep 90
14 mai 2024
00:43:40
The Puritans are, at the same time, highly regarded and highly disdained—depending on who you ask. There are many caricatures about who the Puritans were, what they taught, and what they can still teach us today. On top of this, much of their writing can seem difficult for the modern reader. So why should we bother with the Puritans?
On this episode I have a conversation with Dr. Don Kistler about the importance of the Puritans and how the church today can benefit from their spiritual guidance. Dr. Kistler is a Bible teacher, author, founder of Northampton Press, and he has been republishing Puritan works for decades.
One of his latest reprints is Christ, the Perfect Pattern for a Christian by Ralph Robinson — which hasn’t been reprinted since 1658! We’ll talk about this particular book and the life and ministry of Robinson, as well as why we should read the lesser-known Puritans.
Whether you already enjoy the works of the Puritans or have been reluctant to give them a chance, you’re definitely going to get a lot out of our conversation. Dr. Kistler will also share a number of recommended titles both for the beginner as well as some little known works that even those who love the Puritans may not have heard of.
I’ll have all of the notes prepped for you at ReasonableTheology.org/Puritans where you can find links to the books we mention as well as additional information and resources.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
We all have a stack of books that we'd like to read but haven't gotten through yet. So how can we read more books, faster?
Thankfully, the answer isn't found in speed reading or in simply reading shorter books. Instead, these four simple tips will help you read more books in less time.
HELPFUL RESOURCES MENTIONED: 🗎 Book List Spreadsheet Template (Plus recommended books) [You'll need to make a copy of the spreadsheet in order to edit it]
Remember the Sabbath: Spurgeon's Views on the Lord's Day | Ep. 89
19 avr. 2024
00:41:08
Are Christians still required to keep the Sabbath? And what does keeping the Sabbath really look like?
On this episode we will answer these important questions and many others as we consider the role of the sabbath in the Christian life through the lens of the convictions and teachings of Charles Spurgeon.
We’ll hear from Pastor Brandon Rhea who has a new book out titled “Spurgeon's Forgotten Sabbatarianism: Examining the Role of the 4th Commandment in His Life and Theology.”
Rhea is the pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri and received his Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, with his dissertation being focused on the Sabbath views of the Prince of Preachers.
In this conversation we will: • Dispel some caricatures about the Sabbath • Discuss whether or not this command is still binding for us today • How to begin observing the Sabbath if you have never really set it apart as the Lord’s Day.
Along the way, we’ll learn how a commitment to the Sabbath shaped Spurgeon’s ministry, what this looked like in his own life over the years, and how this conviction runs like a thread throughout his preaching and teaching.
What can we learn from Spurgeon’s Sabbatarianism, and how should we think more carefully about the Lord’s Day in our own lives?
On this episode you’ll be both challenged and encouraged as we explore these questions and more.
MORE ON CH SPURGEON 🔗 Learn about the Prince of Preachers at CHSpurgeon.com ▶ Listen to Spurgeon sermons delivered with the dynamic of live preaching on YouTube
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
How Will They Believe If They Have Not Heard? A Sermon on Romans 10:13-15
08 avr. 2024
00:40:41
In Romans 10:13-15, the Apostle Paul declares that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Having shared this truth, he asks a series of questions: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"
Having heard, believed, and called upon Christ ourselves, every believer must be committed to going and proclaiming the excellencies of Christ to others.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
The Resurrection is the Bedrock of Christianity | An Interview with Justin Bass (Replay)
26 mars 2024
00:40:39
The apostle Paul wrote that "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). A few verses later he said, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
The Resurrection is the central truth claim of the Christian faith. Or, as our guest puts it, itis the bedrock of Christianity.
In The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, Dr. Justin Bass examines facts about Jesus' death and resurrection that even skeptical scholars agree with.
Listen as we discuss why the resurrection is the bedrock truth claim of the Christian faith and how we can present this truth to others - even skeptics.
On This Replay Episode We Discuss:
Why the resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity
How the apostle Paul serves as a key witness
Truth claims about Christianity that even skeptical scholars agree to
The most helpful evidence for engaging others on the resurrection
How the average Christian can be better prepared to defend key doctrines of the faith
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
What's the Difference between Kings and Chronicles in the Old Testament?
21 mars 2024
00:05:19
Reading the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles after reading 1 & 2 Kings can feel like deja vu. You might ask yourself, 'Didn't I just read this?'
There are so many similarities between the books of Kings and Chronicles that some wonder why we have both sets of Israel's history in our Bibles at all.
In this video, we'll discuss the similarities and differences between King and Chronicles and see how the different time periods and purposes of each make a unique contribution to the unfolding story of Scripture.
The responsibility of imparting biblical wisdom to our kids is both a privilege and a challenge. How can we help our children not only learn about the Bible but grow to love it?
Danica Cooley, an award-winning children's author and Bible curriculum developer, joins us on the Reasonable Theology Podcast to share her insights on this crucial topic. With years of experience and a passion for raising biblically literate children, Danica provides practical advice for parents feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of discipling their children.
Drawing from her book, "Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible," and her own family's journey, Danica emphasizes the significance of making God's Word a central part of our daily lives.
We'll Explore:
⦿ How to start family worship even if it wasn't part of your own upbringing ⦿ Strategies for moving from sporadic Bible reading to consistent family devotion ⦿ Techniques for engaging children of various ages in meaningful conversations ⦿ Creative ideas for helping younger kids engage in Bible study ⦿ Effective Bible memorization methods tailored to different learning styles
Discover the simplicity behind teaching scripture at home, overcoming the common fears and obstacles many Christian parents face in helping their kids read, memorize, and understand Scripture.
Whether you're just contemplating how to introduce scripture to your little ones or seeking to deepen existing family worship practices, you are sure to gain some practical tips and helpful encouragement.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
If scholars faithfully use reliable manuscripts when translating Scripture, why do we have different versions of the Bible?
Perhaps the most vital thing to understand about different Bible versions: by their very nature translations are NEVER word for word.
Translators must interpret to some degree, and how they go about this process falls into two philosophies: FORMAL EQUIVALENCE or DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE.
Listen to learn how this impacts the translation process and check out some Bible translations that are worth your consideration.
*** Recommended Bible Translations: Those looking for a recommendation of a good Bible versions will find the ESV, the NASB, the Legacy, and the CSB to be excellent choices.
In his book Humble Calvinism, author J.A. Medders writes:
"Many of us who love to love the “doctrines of grace” have not grown in showing grace. We have not become more gracious, kind, tender, and compassionate. And that can only mean one thing: we actually don’t know the doctrines of grace. Sure, we know the points and can rehearse the arguments ...But an arrogant and argumentative Calvinist is just a Pharisee with a fresh coat of paint."
But it doesn't have to be this way. The term "humble Calvinism" should not be an oxymoron.
On this replay episode, we discuss why a right understanding of Calvinism should cause us to be gracious, loving, and humble towards others.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
What Calvinism is and why a "humble Calvinist" seems like an oxymoron to many
Why "cage-stage" Calvinism is such a prevalent issue
Some keys to help us graciously hold to the Doctrines of Grace
How we can be zealous for the truth and be humble and gracious towards others
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
3 Crucial Reminders for Christians in a Pagan Culture | Ep. 87
23 févr. 2024
00:48:05
In the book of Titus, Paul is instructing Titus to remind these Christians of how they are to live lives pleasing to God in a pagan land of Crete. Crete was known across the ancient world for its immorality; Paul quotes one of their own poets who claimed “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
How were Christians to live in such a culture? More than a question of personal obedience and sanctification, this is a question of the Great Commission. How does their conduct impact how the Cretans see Christ?
The apostle Paul's instructions for first-century Christians in Crete remain relevant for us today. What should our response be as spiritual pilgrims living in an increasingly unholy land?
This is a very important question, as far too many believers fall into the ditches of either capitulating to the culture or adopting a posture of outright hostility towards it. Both errors are a hindrance to our proclamation of the Gospel.
Some Christians respond with anger, others with despair, and still others become indifferent to the cultural rot all around us.
In helping us rightly engage the world around us, Titus 3:1-7 offers three crucial reminders: a reminder of how we are to live, a reminder of who we once were, and a reminder of what Christ has done for us.
In this sermon we will consider how we can navigate the increasingly ungodly culture around us with compassion, conviction, and confidence.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Was Christ a Copycat? Refuting Claims of Pagan Plagiarism
22 févr. 2024
00:07:52
Is it true that the story of Jesus is just a retelling of pagan myths that also featured gods who were born of a virgin, died, and rose again?
It is often alleged that a number of ancient gods have biographies shockingly similar to that of Jesus of Nazareth. Names that are commonly included in this group of doppelganger deities include Mithras, Dionysus, and Osiris, among others.
This allegation implies that if gods we consider false claim the same things that Christianity claims, Christianity must also be false. But is the allegation true?
There are two important questions that a believer should ask when tackling the “Jesus myth” allegations:
1) Are these alleged parallels to pagan gods historically accurate?
2) If they were, what difference would it make?
Listen as we review three alleged parallels to the life of Christ and consider whether or not it would really matter if there were pagan gods with stories similar to the life of Christ.
Studying the Beatitudes (with a Little Help from the Greek)
13 févr. 2024
00:38:39
The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ teachings, and the beatitudes in particular have come to be some of the best-known and best-loved verses in the whole of the New Testament.
Christians have much to gain from a deep study of these passages, and our guest today is going to give us some insight into how our study of these verses (and all the New Testament) can benefit from a knowledge of Greek.
Ryan Martin is the man behind Kairos Classroom, which provides online, live instruction in biblical Greek and Hebrew.
On this episode we examine the language of the beatitudes and gain greater insight into Jesus’ teaching by understanding more about His words in the original Greek. We’ll talk about what it means to be “blessed” – how we are to rightly understand biblical meekness, and how we can avoid common mistakes when using language tools like dictionaries when studying Scripture.
At the end, we’ll discuss how you can better equip yourself to dive deeper into your study of Scripture.
This episode will inspire you to see the Scriptures through a new lens and perhaps even embark on the rewarding journey of learning Greek or Hebrew yourself.
See how you can begin your study of Greek with Kairos Classroom and get 10% off your first course with promo code THEOLOGY: ReasonableTheology.org/Greek
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If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God - Complete Sermon
06 févr. 2024
00:53:28
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was a sermon preached by Jonathan Edwards in 1741 during the First Great Awakening.
Edwards is perhaps the greatest theological mind America has ever produced, and Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is one of the most famous sermons of all time.
Its vivid imagery depicting the precarious position our lives are in — and the judgment that awaits us if we do not find forgiveness for our sins through faith in Jesus Christ — had an impact that spread far wider than Edward's congregation.
As important as this sermon is, few in our day have taken the time to read it in full, and fewer still have ever heard it preached as it would have been originally delivered.
On this edition of the Reasonable Theology podcast, you can get a chance to listen to the complete, unabridged sermon delivered with the dynamic of live preaching.
So here is Jonathan Edwards famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. It was recorded by the late Tod Magstadt.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Thanks to the internet, false teachers are able to gain a wider influence than ever before. They don't even have to enter your church to negatively impact your congregation - they can spread their errant theology on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok and elsewhere.
Given the proliferation of false teachers and the ease at which people can encounter their teaching, it is vital that we know how to recognize them.
While there are many passages of Scripture that speak to the danger of false teaching and how to guard against it, perhaps no book of the Bible focuses its attention on the issue more pointedly than 2 Peter.
In this video, we'll cover three ways you can recognize a false teacher.
Today in History: CH Spurgeon Passed Away on January 31, 1892
31 janv. 2024
00:03:05
C.H. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, passed away on January 31, 1892. The impact of his ministry, however, continues to this very day.
In picturing the day of his own funeral 20 years earlier, Spurgeon said to his congregation:
…when you see my coffin carried to the silent grave, I should like every one of you, whether converted or not, to be constrained to say, “He did earnestly urge us, in plain and simple language, not to put off the consideration of eternal things. He did entreat us to look to Christ.
Even today, more than 130 years after his death, C.H. Spurgeon continues to do just that.
Let's talk about four critical areas of evidence for the reliability of the Bible. We'll explore the wealth of evidence supporting the trustworthiness of Scripture, from thousands of biblical manuscripts and archaeological findings to the faithful preservation of original writings and the timely composition of the New Testament.
1 | Manuscript Evidence: Discover how the 6,000 New Testament manuscripts, far surpassing any other ancient document, provide a solid foundation for comparing and verifying the accuracy of Scripture. 2 | Archaeological Corroboration: Learn about the numerous archaeological discoveries that align with biblical accounts, further solidifying the historical validity of the Scriptures. 3 | Preservation of Original Texts: Understand the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts in demonstrating the meticulous care scribes took in preserving the Bible's content over centuries. 4 | Historical Timing of New Testament Writings: Gain insight into how the proximity of New Testament writings to the actual events they describe adds an additional layer of credibility.
For more resources on this topic, I recommend the following books:
• Why I Trust the Bible by Bill Mounce https://amzn.to/2WpA0Wc • Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh and Sean McDowell https://amzn.to/2VSKxYc • The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs by Craig Blomberg https://amzn.to/2HuyKGZ • How We Got the Bible by Neil Gordon Lightfoot https://amzn.to/2EkXsYk
Benjamin Keach was a pivotal figure in 17th-century Baptist history. Known for his influential writings and his role in introducing hymn singing in Baptist congregations, Keach's contributions have left an indelible mark on religious thought and practice.
His journey from a persecuted dissenter to a respected preacher and author paints a vivid picture of the religious and political turbulence of his time.
And yet, Keach is not as well known as some other figures of church history.
On this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Stanton, a renowned Keach scholar and co-editor of The Works of Benjamin Keach from Particular Baptist Heritage Book.
Dr. Stanton will help us delve deeper into Keach's world, revealing how Keach’s ministry impacted not only his own time but ours as well.
Join us as discuss this tumultuous time in England’s history, how Keach’s children’s book landed him in the stockade, how he pioneered the introduction of hymns to the worship service, what he was like as a family man and pastor, and much more.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Jonathan Edwards is regarded by many as the greatest mind America has ever produced and he is held up as an excellent example of a pastor-theologian. Even so, many people’s familiarity with Edwards does not extend beyond his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”
In this conversation with Dr. Jeremy Kimble we discuss the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards as well as what Christians can still learn from him today.
For more on Jonathan Edwards, check out his famous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: https://youtu.be/HoDfZR6nWUA
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a Baptist preacher in London who lived from 1834 to 1892. By the end of end of the 19th century, more than 100 million copies of Spurgeon’s sermons had been sold in 23 languages. This figure has long since been surpassed many times over, and Spurgeon's sermons continue to minister to people today.
The 6-volume collection of Spurgeon’s sermons – known as the New Park Street Pulpit and the 57-volume Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit comprise one of the greatest collections of sermons in history.
Although these volumes continue to be used and referenced by many, only portions have been re typeset in the more than 100 years since the collection was completed. That means that the majority of copies available from this set are very difficult to read and contain the occasional typo or other error.
On this episode of the podcast, I welcome back Jared Payne of A Pilgrim’s Coffer, who has undertaken a brand new, fully re-typeset edition of the New Park Street Pulpit.
We’ll talk about the impact of CH Spurgeon, how Jared became interested in Spurgeon, the lasting value of these printed sermons, and the ambitious project of re-typesetting these sermons.
If you are fan of Charles Spurgeon and have benefited from his written works, you’re going to enjoy our conversation as well as the upcoming new edition of the New Park Street Pulpit.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Jonathan Edwards is regarded as many as the greatest mind America has ever produced, and he is held up as an excellent example of a pastor-theologian. Even so, many people's familiarity with Edwards does not extend beyond his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
On this episode, we speak with Dr. Jeremy Kimble about the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards and discuss what Christians can still learn from him today.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
A biographical sketch of Edwards' life and ministry
Why you need to read more than "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
Edwards' key role in the First Great Awakening
What Edwards was like as a pastor
An overview of many of his major written works and where you should start
What Jonathan Edwards' lasting legacy has been
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
If our calendar is broken up into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (anno Domini, the year of our Lord) doesn’t that mean Jesus was born in year one (since we don’t count year zero)?
Actually, the issue is a bit more complex than that.
Although the Gospel writers did not focus primarily on preserving a precise chronological history of Jesus’ life and ministry, we can still approximate some key dates by comparing historical markers with passages of Scripture.
Here’s why many scholars say Jesus was born between 5 and 6 B.C.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years. But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:
Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings
What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?
Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.
The Deconstruction of Christianity | Ep. 83 w/ Alisa Childers & Tim Barnett
30 nov. 2023
00:53:24
You may have come across the terms “deconstruction” or “exvangelical” in recent years, or have perhaps seen high-profile Christian leaders walk away from the faith.
But what is deconstruction, and why does it seem to be a growing problem? On this episode of the podcast I’m talking with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, who have just written a new book together called The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, why it’s destructive, and how to respond.”
Alisa is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and worship leader. She’s the author of two other books “Another Gospel” and “Live your Truth and other lies” which we have had conversations about on previous episodes of the podcast.
Tim has worked as an apologist for Stand to Reason since 2015. Tim trains Christians to think clearly about what they believe and why they believe it. He’s also the host of the popular YouTube Channel “Red Pen Logic with Mr. B.”
On this episode we’ll talk about:
What’s deconstruction is
What factors into a person’s decision to walk away from the faith
The role of social media in fueling this phenomenon
How we can rightly respond to those in our lives who are struggling with or have walked away from the faith they once professed.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
What Are The Five Points of Calvinism? A Clear & Concise Explanation
22 nov. 2023
00:11:40
What are the Five Points of Calvinism and what do these doctrines teach us about salvation?
Known as both the Doctrines of Grace and the Five Points of Calvinism, these doctrines are named for the distinct theological stances taken by the reformer John Calvin (who didn’t use this term himself).
You have likely come across the acrostic T.U.L.I.P. as a memory aid for these doctrinal positions. In this video I provide a concise description of each of the five doctrines represented by each letter:
○ Total Depravity ○ Unconditional Election ○ Limited Atonement ○ Irresistible Grace ○ Perseverance of the Saints
The Five Points of Calvinism are merely summaries of what the Bible teaches about salvation. We do not revere these doctrines because they were taught by John Calvin, but because they are found in Scripture.
What is the Columbo Tactic? Greg Koukl Explains How Questions Can Help In Challenging Conversations
15 nov. 2023
00:06:06
Apologist Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason provides an overview of the "Columbo Tactic" and how it can help you stay in the driver's seat in challenging conversations.
The "Columbo" tactic, named after the TV detective, is a strategic approach for introducing spiritual topics into conversations through simple, leading questions. It involves asking open-ended, inquisitive questions like "What do you mean by that?" to gently steer the conversation towards spirituality.
The tactic aims to expose flaws or contradictions in others' views in a non-confrontational manner. For instance, following up with "How did you come to that conclusion?" respects the other person's reasoning and encourages them to articulate their beliefs, providing more insight for further discussion.
Even when faced with responses lacking clear reasoning, the Columbo tactic uses straightforward, relevant questions to provoke thought, emphasizing the importance of having reasons for one’s beliefs. This method highlights the power of asking well-placed questions to facilitate deeper, more meaningful conversations about spiritual matters.
▶ Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/CZrApYwhP7Y 📖 Pick up a copy of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions https://amzn.to/478Sppl 📖 Pick up a copy of Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges https://amzn.to/49yRWOA
How Good Questions Can Answer Tough Challenges | Ep. 82 w/ Greg Koukl
08 nov. 2023
00:56:12
How would you respond if someone presented a challenge to the truth claims of Christianity? Would you be nervous? Feel ill-equipped? What if you could eliminate your anxiety, take control of intimidating conversations, and help others think more clearly about their views and the truth of Scripture?
The key to all of this? Asking good questions.
That’s what Greg Koukl’s latest book, Street Smarts, is all about. Greg is back on the podcast to talk about how questions can help answer Christianity’s toughest challenges.
Koukl has hosted his call-in radio show Stand to Reason for over 30 years, has written many helpful books including Tactics: A Gameplan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.
Street Smarts picks up where Tactics left off, providing model questions and example conversations to effectively discuss your Christian beliefs, even on hot-button issues such as moral relativism, the authenticity of Scripture, the gospel, abortion, marriage, gender, and more.
In this discussion we’ll talk about:
How Greg became involved in apologetics
How Street Smarts expands on the book Tactics
The difference between harvesting and gardening when it comes to evangelism
The benefits of asking questions in difficult conversations
How we can be better equipped to engage with others on difficult, controversial issues
You can find the show notes for this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/StreetSmarts, where I will put links to our previous conversation on Tactics as well as the different resources we mention during our conversation.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Jesus Feeds the 5,000: A Sermon on Matthew 14:13-21
06 nov. 2023
00:51:45
The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle that Jesus performed that is recorded in all four Gospels. This alone shows us just how important this event is in the ministry of Christ.
In this sermon we examine Matthew 14:13-21 alongside the parallel accounts in Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6 to gain a fuller understanding of what this miracle revealed about Christ to those who witnessed these things and how we can rightly understand and apply the lessons it has to teach us.
In this message we will see that Jesus’ greatest act of compassion in feeding the 5,000 was not that he took away their hunger, but that He revealed to them that He was the one who had come to take away their sin.
Matthew 14:13-21 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.
Martin Luther: The Man Who Sparked the Reformation | Ep. 81
27 oct. 2023
00:20:44
Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.
On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Christians have more access to Scripture than ever before. At the same time, study after study reveals that our time actually reading the Bible is declining. If we’re honest, most of us have experienced difficulty with getting into the Word and really engaging with the text.
Why is this the case, and how can we overcome our tendency to leave our Bibles unread?
On this episode of the podcast I speak with Alex Goodwin, co-founder of the Institute for Bible Reading and the author of The Bible Reset: Simple Breakthroughs to Make Scripture Come Alive.
In this conversation Alex and I discuss:
○ How some of the modern formatting in our Bibles creates friction that slows down our reading
○ The benefits of reading large sections (or even entire books) of the Bible in one sitting
○ Why we should read Scripture in community with other believers
○ How understanding what he calls the ‘six act drama’ of Scripture can help us connect the Bible’s central themes and get more out of our study.
Listen to our conversation and find some ways that you can reset your Bible reading habits. ________________
► For more on this topic, visit https://ReasonableTheology.org/Reset ► Pick up a copy of Bible Reset: https://amzn.to/3FmgCw1 ► See All Podcast Guest's Books: https://amzn.to/441gkou ► Let's Connect: • Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReasonableTheology • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheologyTweets • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reasonabletheology
If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.