Category: Theological
-
Where is God in Suffering?
Summary “How can one reconcile [the belief in a good God] with the appalling massacres and misfortunes which overwhelm humanity? What father would abandon his children to the horror of Auschwitz?” French philosopher Luc Ferry poses this question to highlight the problem of evil, which he considers a compelling reason to reject belief in the…
-
Dealing with Anxiety
Summary Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but when it takes over, it can disrupt our thoughts and impact our well-being. In this episode, Jonathan and Christa explore different ways anxiety shows up and share how they navigate their own struggles. Bonus: Jonathan takes a shot at referencing an old Disney movie—with less-than-stellar results.…
-
A Conversation About Aging
Summary What do you think? Is the statement belowTrue or False? “Grow old along with me,The best is yet to be.” Recently, Christa was confronted with the hilarious side of this statement, considering that, you know, the “best” (physically speaking) is certainly not in the future. That discovery inspired this conversation. Everyone is aging, but…
-
What Does the Bible Teach About End Times?
Summary Everyone—whether consciously or unconsciously—operates with a view toward the future. In philosophy and theology, this is called “eschatology,” meaning theories about the final events of the universe. In Christian theology, eschatology is often the topic of fierce debate. Jonathan and Christa discuss some reasons why this topic is so controversial and lay out the…
-
What’s the Deal With Different Bible Versions?
Summary 450. That’s how many English Bible translations we have. With so many, is it possible that some have been corrupted, or based on corrupted manuscripts? Isn’t it better just to stick to one—say, the King James Version? In this episode, Jonathan and Christa discuss the value of different Bible translations. They share how they…
-
Dangers of Joining a Church
Summary In this episode, Jonathan and Christa explore the potential dangers of joining a church and offer guidance on how to navigate these challenges wisely. While we believe it’s crucial to belong to a gospel-centered, Biblically-grounded church, we also recognize the real concerns many people wrestle with. These include financial pressure, manipulative leadership, and the…
-
When Pastors Fall: Why it Happens & How Churches Can Help
Summary Pastors are called to be “above reproach,” leading and ministering with integrity so that their lives reflect the message they preach. But when a pastor—especially one who is well-known and highly respected—falls short of this standard, the consequences can be deeply damaging to the individual, the church, and the broader Christian witness. In this…
-
Wrong Ideas Christians Have About Sex
Summary The Bible clearly teaches about the beauty, boundaries, and purposes of sex. Yet many Christians have adopted wrong and misguided ideas about this intimate aspect of life. In this episode, Jonathan and Christa address several of these wrong ideas, highlighting that they all stem from one core issue: failing to recognize that sexual intimacy,…
-
Inside a Pastor’s Sermon Prep
Summary What happens from the time a pastor decides what to preach to the time he delivers his sermon? In this episode, Jonathan shares how he approaches the task of preaching, emphasizing the importance of a methodical exposition of Biblical passages or themes. He discusses practical aspects of his preparation process, including how many days…
-
Will We Eat Meat in Heaven? (and other questions about the after life)
Summary One of our kids recently asked us, “Will there be hunting in heaven?” This led to other questions: “What about meat? Will we eat meat in heaven? Can we go camping in heaven?” In this episode, we explore the Biblical terms for heaven, expose some common misunderstandings, and seek to clarify Biblical parameters and…