Life in this fallen world is often hard. We struggle in our minds and hearts with any number of things. We fight against our own sin and are affected by the sin of others. In other words, the reasons for discouragement are many. Not surprisingly, we continually find ourselves in a battle against discouragement. If that is you, you are not alone. What can we say to these things? What hope is there in the struggle? Jon, Justin, and Jimmy discuss these things on today's episode.

Listening to many preachers and teachers, it sounds like God, deep down, hates the world. Yes, he sent his Son to save sinners, but he does that only for his own glory--and even then, reluctantly. Jesus, too, really didn't care for sinners. He came holding his nose and was really on earth to rebuke everyone. This presentation of God has produced a lot of fear, or perhaps even hatred of him. But, the question is, is this presentation biblical? Jon and Justin consider that on this episode.

Here's a controversial statement: Faith never saved anybody. While that may sound shocking to many Christians, it's true. Faith doesn't save sinners; Jesus does. Faith is simply the means through which the merit and work of Christ are applied to us. Jon and Justin talk about the confusion that exists in the church today and how we tend to place our faith in things that don't save.

Often in Scripture, the faithful falter. For example, Abraham is called "the man of faith" by Paul, and he is upheld as the model of justification by faith in all of the Bible. Yet, he sold his wife into defilement and adultery--twice. Or, consider the disciples. In the aftermath of Jesus' death and resurrection, they are hiding together in a room, terrified. What do we make of these things?

What is the gospel? Rightly, many people point to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus--through which we are forgiven of sin, absolved of guilt, counted righteous, and promised to be raised from the dead. Praise God for that! But, there are parts of the gospel that tend to be left out or assumed. Jesus intercedes and advocates for us at the right hand of God. He has given us his Spirit. He reigns from the throne of God. And he is coming back for us. All of these things matter for our assurance and peace!

We have gotten a number of questions regarding Lordship Salvation and the historic, reformed position on it. So, today, that is what Jon and Justin talk about. We talk about concerns over the definition of faith, the collapsing of law and gospel, and confusion on the uses of the law. We interact with John MacArthur's book, "The Gospel According to Jesus," as well as Michael Horton's "Christ the Lord."

In the church, we care for souls. But what is it that we are doing in that work? It is our conviction that we are helping one another die well--with dignity and hope. That may sound like a strange thing to say, but we are convinced it's biblical. In this life, we are weak and frail. We experience suffering and pain. Yet, Christ is our hope. And he has secured for us a life that is beyond this one.

How would you describe a strong Christian? If you were to make a list of what characterizes a mature Christian, what would you put on that list? At Theocast, we are convinced that many would not answer these questions the way the apostles would have. As we look to the New Testament, what does it say about those who are strong in the church?

Biblicism might sound like a good thing...but it's not. Biblicism is a methodology that tends to introduce confusion and mystery into the Scriptures where there isn't any. It also tends to confuse doctrinal and theological categories such as law/gospel distinction and faith versus works. Jon and Justin consider these things and more in this episode.

Is the whole Bible really about Jesus? Here at Theocast, we believe that it is. Jon and Justin consider the pattern of Jesus and the apostles with regard to how they understood the Bible. The guys consider typology and how it is useful in understanding the Scriptures--and biblicism and how it is not helpful.

People often get the impression that being a disciple of Jesus is only for the strong. When it comes to discipleship, there is no room for fear or doubt. Is that the presentation of the gospel writers? Is that what we see in the New Testament epistles? Are followers of Jesus ever afraid? Do they doubt? Jon and Justin consider these things.

If you look around in the church or on Christian social media, there seems to be a lot of confusion about repentance. What exactly is it, biblically? In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about repentance from various places in Scripture. And they consider repentance at conversion and the ongoing repentance that characterizes the Christian life.