Reasonable Theology Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Jesus was likely born between 5 and 6 B.C.

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.

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GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Every pastor knows the unique challenges of facing critics in their church. The question is, how should they respond to criticism?

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Nick Thompson, who is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee and co-author with Joel Beeke of the book Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry.

Listen in as we discuss how pastors can lovingly respond to critics, learn from constructive criticism, and withstand unjust criticism in the church.

On This Episode We’ll Discuss:

• The danger of pastors not being prepared for and not knowing how to respond to critics
• Places in Scripture we see leaders face criticism
• The role critics play in the sanctification of the pastor
• Practical ways that pastors and ministry leaders can respond well
• Why criticism isn’t always a bad thing
• How pastors can become resilient to criticism without hardening themselves against helpful feedback
• How we as believers can be encouragers of our pastors rather than discouragers

 Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/critics

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

After more than 2000 years, Jesus Christ remains the most influential figure in all of human history – even by secular standards! 

Examining the impact that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has had on the world is helpful in establishing the reliability of the events recorded in the Bible. In fact, you can confirm the historicity and deity of Jesus from history alone, without relying on the New Testament manuscripts.

Join former detective J. Warner Wallace and me as we discuss the incredible impact of and the undeniable evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On This Episode We’ll Discuss:

• How J. Warner Wallace went from homicide detective to Christian apologist
• What the phrase “person of interest” means in police work and in relation to Jesus
• How a “no body” investigation mirrors the investigation into the resurrection of Jesus
• Why Wallace’s “fuse and fallout” approach helps validate the claims of the Gospels
• The importance of historical records outside the Bible
• Why every believer should be familiar with common objections to Christianity

See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode45

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

The preaching of the Word of God is a vital means of edifying, equipping, and encouraging believers and proclaiming salvation to the lost. But much of what passes for preaching in our day fails to stay tethered to the truth Scripture and instead focuses on man's ideas and methods.

This is why expository preaching, or the comprehensive explanation of a Bible passage in which the text dictates the content of the sermon, is so vitally important.

It is Scripture that "is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), and so the task of the preacher is not to entertain or provide his wisdom but to explain and expound the text.

Listen as we talk with Pastor David Strain about the importance of expository preaching and how we can grow by sitting under good preachers.

On This Episode We'll Discuss

• What expository preaching is (and isn't)
• Why expository preaching is the most helpful means of preaching
• How our view of Scripture impacts our idea of what "good preaching" is
• Historical examples of great expository preachers
• Contemporary examples of great expository preachers
• How we all can get more out of the sermons we listen to on Sundays

See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode44

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I'll share a 3-step process I learned from one of my seminary professors. This process, he joked, was a secret that could save you $36,000 and several years of effort by eliminating the need for a master’s degree in counseling.

The “secret” 3-step process is simple. It is to guide the conversation through three phases: External, Internal, and Eternal.

Learn more here: https://reasonabletheology.org/a-3-step-process-for-having-spiritual-conversations/

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Attacks against the truth and reliability of Scripture are commonplace. Skeptical scholars have become mainstream, entertainment media mocks believers, and YouTube and podcasting have given a platform to just about anyone wanting to promote their arguments against Scripture and the Christian faith.

Many of these attacks focus on a single assertion: the Bible is an ancient book written and assembled by flawed men with particular agendas.

So can we trust that what is contained in the Bible is really God's Word? Listen as we speak with Bible scholar and translator Dr. Bill Mounce about why we can trust the Bible and the truth claims it makes.

On this episode we’ll discuss:

• Common questions believers and non-believers ask about the reliability of Scripture
• Why skepticism is increasing in today's culture
• Why believers should not shy away from having and asking sincere questions
• How we can be better equipped to answer tough questions
• Reasons we can trust the reliability of our Bibles
• Why Dr. Mounce personally trusts his Bible

See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode43

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Personal growth does not happen overnight in any area of our lives, and spiritual growth is no exception. In order to grow, we need to develop regular, consistent practices. These small daily habits are the key to life transformation.

Listen as we speak with Darryl Dash, author of "8 Habits for Spiritual Growth" about 8 long-term practices that will help us become more like Christ.

On this episode we’ll discuss:

• 8 habits that help us grow: Making time, resting, reading Scripture, prayer, church involvement, exercise, simplifying our spiritual lives, and building a rule of life. 
• Why these particular habits are so helpful for us
• How some "non-spiritual" habits, such as rest and exercise, help us in our spiritual lives
• Tips for staying on track when trying to develop new habits
• Immediate actions we can take to start building good habits

See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode42

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE

On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we speak with Kevin Halloran about his new book, "When Prayer is a Struggle: A Practical Guide for Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer."

Listen as Kevin Halloran shows how gospel truths speak to your prayer struggles, diagnoses issues of the heart that hinder true prayer, and gives practical tips for moving forward.

We'll talk about common struggles we all face in our prayer lives and resources for overcoming them.

On this episode we’ll discuss:

• How Kevin's own prayer struggles led to his new book
• The most common struggles we face in praying
• Immediate steps we can take to strengthen our prayer lives
• How praying through Scripture can help us (and the '3 R' method for doing it)
• Practical tools we can use to overcome our prayer struggles

 See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode41

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.

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE