Have you ever had someone say, “The Lord told me to tell you…”? How do you process that statement? What about modern prophecies, miracles, visions, and dreams? As Reformed, conservative Christians, how do we interpret these things through Scripture? That is the focus of today’s podcast. We want to have a meaningful conversation about assurance and the hope we have in Christ.
Whose Voice Are You Listening To?
As human beings, we constantly hear many voices, whether we realize it or not. A key question to ask ourselves is: Whose voice am I listening to? Is it the voice of Satan, who accuses and deceives? The voice of my flesh or the world? Or the voice of my Savior, who speaks truth and life? The voice we listen to shapes our daily experience and how we see the world. Jon and Justin hope this conversation helps us recalibrate our ears to hear the voice of Jesus.
Why Is Life So Hard?
Disappointment is part of the human experience, rooted in our expectations that life should be free of struggles. We often forget that trials are inevitable and that everyone will eventually die. Today's podcast explores this utopian view of life and how hardships can shake our faith, causing us to question God’s purpose. Jon and Justin discuss why this happens and where true hope is found. The world is groaning under suffering, but the ultimate solution is always Jesus.
What Does It Mean to Confirm Our Election?
At Theocast, we get this question a lot: What about 2 Peter when it says that we should be confirming our calling and election by our obedience? Isn't that really a way for us to examine ourselves and find our assurance, saying, "Look, my obedience aligns with my confession?" Yes and no. That passage has probably hurt more people than it has helped. But Peter wrote it to help them—he actually wrote it to encourage them. So if you read 2 Peter 1:10 and feel discouraged, you should keep listening. That is not what was intended.
Does Jesus Weep With Us?
We are told in Scripture that Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest. But what does that mean? Does He feel with us? Does He weep with us? Does He see? Does He care? Jon and Justin are having a conversation today about Jesus and His heart toward sinners. They aim to discuss this topic within the context of historical orthodoxy, considering all the appropriate theological nuances. Together, they will look to the Scriptures to reveal that we have a compassionate, sympathetic, gentle, lowly, and tender Savior who understands us, is with us, and is for us. We can trust Him. We hope you find encouragement in this discussion.
Have You Overcorrected in Your Deconstruction?
Discovering the wonders of grace and freedom means realizing you no longer need to perform to earn acceptance—a liberating truth. However, in walking away from pietism, legalism, and revivalism, there’s a risk of overcorrecting and neglecting key aspects of the gospel, such as confessing sins and continuing to trust in Christ. Jon and Justin explore how deconstruction can unintentionally foster selfishness and discuss how to navigate this process in a healthy, gospel-centered way that leads to true transformation.
As A Christian, Do My Emotions Matter?
If you've been listening to Theocast, you’ve probably heard us say, “Don’t trust your feelings when it comes to assurance or peace with God.” As you learn more about the Reformed or confessional faith, you might wonder if emotions are bad and should be pushed aside. Yet, as you live your life and feel deeply, you may ask: do my emotions matter—to God, my pastor, or my church? Jon and Justin will explore these questions and discuss how confessionalism emphasizes processing our experiences and emotions through the objectively revealed presence of God: with us, for us, and to save us. We hope this conversation will encourage and help you better understand the role of feelings in the Christian life.
Thinking About God: Dread or Comfort?
What comes to mind when you think about God? Do you feel comfort, safety, and love, or do you wrestle with doubt, dread, and judgment? It's been said that our thoughts about God shape every area of our lives, and today Jon and Justin dive deep into this idea. Join them as they explore who God is, what He is like, and how He has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ. Tune in for a thoughtful and honest conversation about faith, feelings, and the character of God.
Gutting the Scripture of Its Power
Many Christians today feel absolutely drained and powerless. They have tried every solution under the sun to overcome their sin, grow in Christ, and mature in their faith, striving for sanctification. Yet, they feel defeated and often question, “Am I even God's? Do I truly belong to Him?” It seems as though the power of Christianity has disappeared. How did that happen? That’s exactly what Justin and Jon want to discuss today. How did the power of the gospel become gutted from the Bible?
Gospel-Lite and Law-Heavy Living
Does the Christian life ever feel like you're sitting on a bicycle, pedaling as hard as you possibly can, but not going anywhere—only to realize there's no chain on the bike? That's what we call "gospel-lite, law-heavy living." You feel like you're putting in a lot of effort but not making any progress because you've been relying on the wrong power source. That's what Justin and Jon want to talk about today: where the true source of light and power comes from.
Living by Faith Isn't Easy
Over the years, Jon and Justin have sought to defend the gospel message: that we are saved by Jesus Christ through faith in Him alone. This belief has often been met with criticism. People frequently object, saying, "Surely it’s not that simple—it has to involve more than just faith in Jesus." In response, Jon and Justin argue that faith is not as easy as it might seem. Walking by faith, rather than by sight, is challenging for us as human beings. In today’s discussion, they will explore this concept further, referencing scripture and addressing recent debates about justification, obedience, and good works. They’ll also examine our tendency to want to hold onto or point to something we’ve done as a measure of our salvation.
How Do We Know God Is Pleased With Us?
Many Christians often struggle with a significant question: How does God truly feel about me? We are aware of the sins we try to hide and the personal struggles we face. God knows all our weaknesses and failures, and deep down, we question whether He is angry or disappointed with us. We may wonder if He will discipline us or pursue us in judgment because we continue to fail. How can God keep loving someone who repeatedly falls short? This is an essential question, and today, Justin and Jon want to address it. Understanding God's attitude toward you is transformative, as it shapes your experience in this world and your journey in the Christian faith. We want to reassure and remind you that God's disposition toward you is not dependent on your performance. Join us as we explore how the gospel frees you from the burden and shame that often weigh heavily on our hearts.