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Hark The Herald Angels Sing: A Hymn Story
10 Dec 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.
Preview Episode: Spurgeon Legacy Podcast - An Interview with Biographer Alex DiPrima
15 Aug 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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
5 Minute Friday: How to Have More Spiritual Conversations
08 Oct 2021
00:05:11
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Getting Over Believe-In-Yourself Religion | RTP 40
02 Aug 2021
00:36:46
Move over televangelists, there's a new prosperity gospel in town. Except this time, it's focused on personal fulfillment, "self-actualizing," and aiming to live an Instagram-perfect lifestyle.
The contemporary church is heavily borrowing from the self-focused culture around us and it is leading many believers away from the simple, humble, God-focused truths of Scripture.
On this episode, we speak with Dean Inserra about how we can guard against hollow, self-focused religion and instead pursue Christ-centered Christianity.
On this episode we’ll discuss:
Why self-focused Christianity is on the rise
How this trend compares to the traditional "health and wealth" prosperity gospel
Examples of this new prosperity gospel and what to watch out for
Why the notion that God exists for our personal desires is antithetical to Scripture
How we can avoid falling into believe-in-yourself-religion and help others out of it
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.
In this final sermon in this series on the book of Titus, we'll look at Paul's encouragement to devote ourselves to good works, distractions that are enemies of those good works, and Titus' example of good works. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
For more resources, visit https://www.ReasonableTheology.org
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.
In Titus 3:17 we will examine three crucial truths that every believer needs to be reminded of often. As we walk through our passage, we will be given 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.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal 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.
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)
This sermon on Titus 2:6-15 explores how in a healthy Christian (and in a healthy church), godly living is motivated and made possible by God’s grace.
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
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.
This sermon on Titus 2:1-5 discusses how, in a healthy church, teaching sound doctrine leads to fulfilling our Christian duty.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
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.
This sermon on Titus 1:10-16 discusses the risks posed by false teaching, as well as how to recognize and respond to false teachers.
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
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.
This is the second sermon in a series on the book of Titus, covering Titus 1:5-9:
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
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.
This is the first sermon in a series on the book of Titus, covering Titus 1:1-4: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
For the complete sermon series, visit www.Go2Grace.org/Titus
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 should we do when where we are is not where we expected or wanted to be?
How do we react when God has placed us in a situation that is very different than what we’d planned or hoped?
What are we supposed to do when God’s timing is different than our own?
While these times can be discouraging, it is important that Christians to remember that no matter where God has brought us or how fast He brings us there, our task remains the same: to do the work of the Lord.
Listen to this sermon on Romans 15:22-29 as we examine the example of the apostle Paul as one who worked hard while waiting on the Lord.
Candor: The Secret for Tough Conversations | RTP 39
25 Apr 2021
00:35:10
From managing conflict resolution in the workplace to navigating differences at home, many issues remain unaddressed and unresolved when you cannot speak clearly, candidly, and truthfully for fear of negative consequences.
Being able to speak with candor - or forthright honesty - is essential for building and maintaining effective leadership and healthy relationships.
On this episode we speak with Charles Causey about his new book Candor: The Secret to Succeeding at Tough Conversations.
Listen in as we discuss how you can succeed in tough conversations through candor without being unloving or overbearing.
On this episode we'll discuss:
What candor is and why it's important
How timing, character, and love factor into our candid conversations
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.
In 1871, Charles Spurgeon wrote to his wife, Susannah "My Own Dear one - None know how grateful I am to God for you. In all I have ever done for Him, you have a large share. For in making me so happy you have fitted me for service. Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more, and never less, for your sweet companionship. The Lord God Almighty bless you now and forever!"
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 Role of the King James Bible in the Modern Church | RTP 37
01 Dec 2020
00:47:48
Although online discussions about the King James Bible's place in the 21st century can often become heated, there is an important conversation to be had about how language changes and the role of modern translations.
In his book Authorized: The Use & Misuse of the King James Bible, author Mark Ward builds a case for the KJV translators' view that English Bible translations should be readable by what they called "the very vulgar"―and what we would call "the man on the street."
Listen as Mark Ward discusses why we should make good use of modern Bible translations without losing an appreciation for the good old King James.
This was a fun and refreshing conversation about an often controversial topic, and I hope that you'll enjoy it as well!
On this episode we discuss:
The benefits of continuing to use the King James Bible
Several challenges of using only the King James Bible
The issues posed by dead words and "false friends" when reading the KJV
Why modern translations are valuable and helpful
Why none of us should be "one-translation-only."
Misconceptions about Bible translation that fuel unnecessary controversy
Suggestions for choosing which translation of Scripture is best for you
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.
Knowing the Holy Spirit — Costi Hinn Interview (Replay)
01 Aug 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.
Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Unfortunately, it’s far easier to grumble when things are hard. In fact, our guest considers thanksgiving to be a lost spiritual discipline. While thanksgiving is found throughout the Bible, all of us could use some help in cultivating this attitude in our daily lives.
Listen as we speak with recovering pessimist Dustin Crowe about how we can move from having a habit of grumbling to one of gratitude and thanksgiving – no matter our circumstances.
On this episode we discuss:
Why it’s easy for even Christians to fall into a habit of grumbling
The importance of thanksgiving in the Bible
Four key elements of Biblical thanksgiving
How having a spirit of gratitude helps us walk through hard times
Practical steps we can take to become more thankful people
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.
On October 6 1536 William Tyndale was executed by being tied to a stake, strangled, and burned.
His crime? Translating the Bible into the English language. Listen to the fascinating story of this Protestant Reformer, Bible translator, and martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Progressive Christianity: Another Gospel with Alisa Childers | RTP 34
15 Sep 2020
00:45:35
The apostle Paul warned against the dangers of being led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ by those proclaiming another Jesus and another Gospel than that of Scripture. In many places, the New Testament tells believers to guard themselves against a false gospel.
While there have been many forms of false gospels over the ages, one of the most prevalent today comes in the form of "progressive Christianity."
What is progressive Christianity? In general, it is the view that Christianity itself is progressing and all historical truth claims are up for reinterpretation. The end result often has more in common with modern agnosticism than it does with historical Christianity.
Listen as Alisa Childers shares how progressive Christianity led to a crisis of faith and how God rescued her from believing a false gospel.
On this episode we discuss:
What progressive Christianity is and why it is dangerous
Alisa's story of being brought to a crisis of faith
How apologetics helped her to overcome her doubts
Why progressive Christianity is alluring for believers
How our view of Scripture impacts how we respond to doubt
Steps we can take to make us less susceptible to false gospels
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.
Commands to not worry or to not be anxious appear several times in the New Testament, and many believers find it a struggle to quit worrying.
This struggle is made more difficult when we fail to reflect on all that the Bible has to say about worry. Too often we try to fight worry by simply telling ourselves that worry is wrong. This isn’t likely to be helpful.
Don’t misunderstand. Worry is wrong. If it were not, we would not be commanded to not worry. However, repeating this fact like a mantra is not the medicine that Scripture prescribes to cure anxiety.
As recorded in Luke 12:22-31, Jesus reveals that we do not fight anxiety by telling ourselves that worry is wrong. We fight anxiety by reminding ourselves that God is good.
Listen as we talk about the 5 reasons Jesus gives to have confidence in God’s goodness.
Examining the Atonement with William Lane Craig | RTP 33
04 Aug 2020
00:43:05
Jesus Christ's death on the cross provided for the forgiveness of our sins and our reconciliation with God. This reconciliation is known as atonement, and it is a central part of the Christian faith.
Even so, how Christ's death on the cross accomplished this has been debated for centuries. On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by William Lane Craig, world-renowned apologist and author to discuss his latest book Atonement and the Death of Christ.
Dr. Craig walks us through the history of the debate around the atonement and provides us with a framework for thinking through this important doctrine biblically.
On this episode we discuss:
The meaning of the word atonement
The Biblical texts in the Old and New Testaments that teach about atonement
A number of theories on how Christ's death reconciled us to God
Which theories fit with Scripture and which ones don't hold up
The importance of penal substitutionary atonement
What imputation is and why it is important for understanding how our sins are forgiven in Christ
How having a full, multi-faceted understanding of the atonement positively impacts the believer
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.
Ephesians 5:25 tells us "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The command is clear, but carrying out our calling as husbands can be difficult.
As our guest writes:
Busy schedules, life’s demands, and our own remaining sin join forces and plot against our good intentions to love and serve our wives. We may even find ourselves engaged in many fruitful ministry endeavors while the noble calling of coming alongside our beloved brides goes by the wayside.
Listen as we speak with J. Aaron White about how husbands can shepherd their wives towards greater joy in Christ.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
What Scripture teaches about how husbands are called to love their wives
The duties that husbands have and what makes them difficult to uphold
How men can work to become more selfless in their marriages
Practical steps men can take to start leading their wives spiritually
Ways that husbands can begin again in loving their lives as Christ loved the church
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 Matter of Life & Death: A Sermon on Our Union with Christ
25 May 2020
00:36:04
"Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" This is how the apostle Paul responded to the idea that God's abundant grace might cause us to embrace sin rather than fight it.
In explaining why the Christian should not indulge in sin, the apostle expounds on the essential doctrine of our union with Christ. As we shall see in Romans 6:1-11, Paul explains that because Christ died for sin, we are to be dead to sin. Moreover, because we are made alive in Christ we able to live for Christ.
This sermon was preached by Clay Kraby at Grace Baptist Church in Grand Forks, ND.
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 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 Episode We'll 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.
The Bible often uses metaphors of strenuous physical activity to describe the Christian life: running, racing, boxing, fighting, and other similar expressions. What makes these metaphors so applicable? Because just as with physical fitness our spiritual fitness takes time and concentrated effort to produce endurance.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast our guest is Pastor Isaac Adams. Isaac serves as a pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and he is the author of Training: How Do I Grow as a Christian?
Listen as we talk through the importance of spiritual disciplines in the Christian life, as well as the types of personal and public training that make us more spiritually fit. We'll also discuss tips for staying motivated and how we can help others in their Christian walk.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
The importance of spiritual disciplines
Why physical training is so applicable to the Christian life
The difference between personal training and public training, and why both involve other believers
Advice for the new Christian who doesn't know where to start
How older Christians can be helpful in the discipleship of 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.
Hymn Story: Christ the Lord is Risen Today | Bonus Audio
02 Apr 2020
00:07:04
Originally titled ‘Hymn for Easter Day,’ Charles Wesley published the well-loved anthem ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’ in 1739 – which was within the first year of his conversion. However, the original lines find their origin long before that. There are also a number of changes that have taken place since Wesley first penned this hymn.
Learn the story behind this beloved hymn on this bonus episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast.
A Full View of Our Salvation — A Sermon on Romans 8:28-30
24 Jul 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.
A Christian Perspective on Coronavirus | Bonus Episode
17 Mar 2020
00:04:34
As you are all aware, there has been much concern expressed in our country and around the world about the spread of coronavirus. We don't yet know how serious the impact is in the United States, but everyday life has already been disrupted for most people.
It is my hope that as you seek to be informed and responsible in your response to this situation that you will keep some important biblical principles in mind.
On This Episode We'll Discuss:
What the coronavirus teaches us about the fall
How this situation gives us opportunities to spread the gospel
What the Christian response should be in uncertain times
Tactics for Tough Conversations (with Greg Koukl) | RTP 29
03 Mar 2020
00:41:33
Discussing your Christian convictions with others can seem like a daunting task - especially if the person you're talking to is skeptical or even hostile towards your views.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, apologist Greg Koukl shares a number of tactics you can use to confidently and comfortably discuss your beliefs with others. These methods allow you to keep the conversation going, avoid hostility, and point out flaws in a person’s thinking with grace and compassion.
Koukl is the head of the apologetics ministry Stand to Reason and is the author of many books, including Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions where he shares a number of methods to stay in the driver seat of any conversation.
Listen as we discuss tactics for maneuvering comfortably and confidently through challenging discussions about Jesus.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
The need for harvesters and gardeners in the Great Commission
The power of questions in guiding our conversations
How to expose faulty thinking without being aggressive
What's new in the 10th Anniversary Edition of Tactics
How to maintain an engaging, disarming conversation even if the other person becomes aggressive
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.
In summarizing the beliefs of Calvinism, writer and professor Dr. Jim Orrick writes, "First, a Calvinist believes that God always does whatever he pleases. Second, a Calvinist believes that God initiates, sustains, and completes the salvation of everyone who gets saved."
In his book Mere Calvinism, Orick provides an excellent introduction to the Doctrines of Grace, explains the biblical basis for the Five Points of Calvinism, and defends the doctrines of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints.
Listen as our guest Dr. Jim Orrick explains what Calvinism teaches and addresses objections to and misunderstandings of these important doctrines.
Whether you are a committed Calvinist, are uncertain about these doctrines, or unfamiliar with them you are sure to gain a lot from our interview with Dr. Orrick on the basics of Calvinism.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
What the main beliefs of Calvinism are
Which of the Doctrines of Grace are the most controversial
How to respond to those who object to these doctrines
Why God's sovereignty in salvation does not minimize evangelism
How Calvinists can be more winsome in sharing their theological views
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.
On this Q&A episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we're tackling a listener question submitted by a young man named Kyler:
"My question is how to explain to somebody that God didn't have a creator without them questioning you, 'well who created God?'"
On this episode you'll hear an answer to the question "Who created God?" Hopefully, this will help you to think more biblically about how the Creator is distinct from His Creation, and how you be more confident in answering similar questions.
If you’re like me, you resolve each December to read more books in the coming year. If you’re going to follow through, you need to have a plan in place for how you are going to read more books as well as a plan for which books you plan to read.
On this episode of the podcast, I share twelve of the books I’m looking forward to reading in 2020. Perhaps you’ll find some titles worth adding to your list for the year ahead.
We all love to be encouraged, and yet many of us fail to make regularly encouraging others a priority. If we were to grow in this area, we could have a tremendous impact in our families, communities, and churches.
Would you like to become a more encouraging person?
Listen as Pastor Mark Hallock discusses the importance of encouraging others and learn some practical steps we can take to become relentless encouragers.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
Why we need encouragers more than ever in our world
What Scripture has to say about how we bless others with our words
Common reasons we fail to regularly encourage others
Ways we can misuse our words in discouraging and sinful ways
Specific ways that we can be an encouragement to someone else
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 book of 2 Peter provides us with three distinguishing marks of false teachers to watch out for.
Recently I discussed these marks with Bill Arnold during his radio program on Faith Radio. Listen in as we discuss how to recognize and avoid wolves in sheep's clothing.
What are the Five Solas, and what do they have to do with Reformed Theology?
The “Five Solas” are Latin phrases that collectively served as foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a movement that began in the 1500’s and sought to “reform” the traditions and beliefs of Roman Catholicism.
The Five Solas identified the distinctive theological positions held by the reformers and continue to serve as distinguishing characteristics of Reformed Theology.
Listen and learn more about each of the Five Solas and what these doctrines teach about our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone and about our highest authority: Scripture alone.
In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul calls the believer to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” This is a command for every Christian, and it is vital that we take up this armor on a daily basis in order to live as soldiers of Christ.
As our guest Iaian Duguid points out, “the choice is not whether you will be a Christian soldier or a Christian civilian but whether you will be a prepared Christian soldier or an unprepared one.”
Listen as Dr. Duguid discusses why many Christians lose sight of the spiritual battle we’re in and how we can stand firm against the enemy by putting on the whole armor of God.
On This Episode We’ll Discuss:
Why Dr. Duguid wrote The Whole Armor of God
The context of this passage in Ephesians 6
What the armor of God is and why it is essential for every believer
Why we do not need to be discouraged on the spiritual battlefield
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.
In his book Humble Calvinism, pastor and 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 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.
Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope
19 Jul 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.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, America was in a state of shock - faced with the realities of evil, terrorism, tragedy, uncertainty, and the prospect of war.
America's preachers had the difficult task of comforting their congregations, speaking truth about God's sovereignty over all things, and instilling hope in the midst of a national crisis.
On this episode of the podcast, we will have a unique opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11th through a sermon preached on Sunday, September 16th.
This message from Alistair Begg is titled "The Day that Changed the Modern World," and the truths he brings from Scripture are relevant during any tragedy - both national and personal.
In this message, Pastor Begg reminds us that life is frail, death is certain, man is depraved, and grace is necessary.
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.
Pathfinders were small groups of specially trained paratroopers who jumped ahead of the rest of the force. Once on the ground, the job of the pathfinder was to mark the correct drop zone with signal beacons, flares, or specialized lanterns visible from the air.
These men would literally light the way, allowing pilots and paratroopers alike to see exactly where they needed to land.
In the midst of darkness and chaos, fear and danger, light provided a way for others to head in the right direction. The Christian is to be such a light, a spiritual pathfinder pointing others to Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 tells us that "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This is perhaps the most popular verse from the most popular chapter of the most popular book in the New Testament – and yet it is often misunderstood.
Unfortunately, what many people mean when they quote Romans 8:28 is a sort of “turn that frown upside down,” “When God closes a door He opens a window” mentality that ultimately proves to be very unhelpful.
On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, we will examine the context of Romans 8:28 in order to determine its meaning. As we do, we will see that most people do not use this verse to promise too much, but too little.
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.
As we examine this verse, we will see that we can endure any trial with hope, patience, and even joy as we stand firm on the promise that “for those who love God all things work together for good.”
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.