The Dark Side of Christianity

Jon and Justin revisit the first episode they ever recorded together, “The Dark Side of Christianity.” If we are going to live honest and helpful lives in the church, we have to acknowledge that things often feel dark. Where does this darkness come from? It comes from the corruption of our flesh, and it comes from the work of the evil one. The guys talk about both in this episode.

Why We Don’t Prioritize the Church

Satan has convinced Christians throughout the ages that they can obey and live for the King in their strength. Personal Bible ready and prayer are sufficient to protect and provide spiritual growth leaving church life as needed or optional. Jon helps the listener understand that church isn’t something God gave his children as a nice option if they so choose. The church is God’s only plan for his children to find the renewal of hope, strength, protection, and guidance as they work for the kingdom.

Church, Discernment, and Purity Culture

In today’s episode, the guys have a conversation about a very sensitive but important topic: sexuality. Over recent years and decades, there have been various approaches to how to handle issues of sexuality in the church. Jon and Justin talk honestly about their concerns regarding crass and crude language that is used to talk about sex–and the abuses of pastoral authority that often occur (e.g., Doug Wilson and Mark Driscoll). The guys also discuss their concerns with purity culture (Joshua Harris comes up here) and the very negative ways sex is portrayed in that kind of setting. There is a better and more biblical approach.

Pop Church Circus

There are so many unrealistic expectations heaped upon pastors and congregants in the popular church. And there hasn’t been much sound thinking on what really matters. Maybe you’ve experienced this? Maybe you’re exhausted? Confused? In this episode, the guys seek to make the main things of church life clear–in order to set us free for life in the body of Christ.

Leaving Dispensationalism

Our listeners have been asking for a podcast about leaving dispensationalism. We try to give the people what they want! Jon and Justin talk about why we are not dispensational. We talk personally and theologically, covering topics such as: the redemptive-historical framework of Scripture, covenant theology, law/gospel distinction, sanctification, and the ordinary means of grace.

Struggling with the Church

Many people struggle with the church. We go and it feels plastic. Inauthentic. Or it seems like the church is full of people who understand themselves to be crushing it. And so, it doesn’t seem there is a place for the weak or miserable sinner. As a result, many people are disenchanted with the church. Where did all this come from? Is there something better?

How Not to Read Your Bible (Transcript)

Are you discouraged about reading your Bible? Maybe you feel like you don’t understand it? Maybe you read it and feel like you’ve gotten nothing from it? In this episode, the guys talk about how not to read your Bible–and then consider what Scripture says about how to interact with it.

How Not to Read Your Bible

Are you discouraged about reading your Bible? Maybe you feel like you don’t understand it? Maybe you read it and feel like you’ve gotten nothing from it? In this episode, the guys talk about how not to read your Bible–and then consider what Scripture says about how to interact with it.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (Transcript)

When should you leave a church? Jon and Jimmy discuss this question from a pastoral and congregant perspective. We discuss unhelpful ways we have seen this done, what you should not say, and the timing one should consider.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

When should you leave a church? Jon and Jimmy discuss this question from a pastoral and congregant perspective. We discuss unhelpful ways we have seen this done, what you should not say, and the timing one should consider.

Racism, Injustice, and the Church

 In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and the protests of recent days, the guys talk about racism, injustice, and the church. There are many people in a lot of pain. What can we say to these things from God’s Word? How can the church navigate these difficult issues?