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?
Jesus, Gentle and Lowly
What is the posture of Jesus toward those who trust him? In Matthew 11, Jesus invites the weary to come to him that they might find rest. He says he is gentle and lowly in heart. Is that how you have heard Jesus presented? Or have you been told that he is harsh, exacting, and probably disappointed in you?
Depart from Me (Dazed and Confused: Matthew 7)
“I never knew you; depart from me,” are words in Matthew 7 many of us fear we will hear from Jesus. Should we live in fear that we will finally be rejected by Christ for not doing enough? Was that his intention? Or did he mean something else?
Are You a Legalist or an Antinomian?
Are you a legalist or an antinomian? Most people would claim they are neither. But many Christians don’t know what to do with God’s law. Jon and Justin talk about the law and the gospel–and how it is Paul could say he delighted in God’s law.
Take Up Your Cross?
“Take up your cross and follow me.” What did Jesus mean when he said that? Is he calling us to hate our wives, kids, and parents? Is he calling us to be willing to suffer anything if we are going to be his followers? Is he laying down a test of radical discipleship? Or is he calling us to something else?
The Demands of the Gospel?
People like to talk about the “demands of the gospel.” But does the gospel make demands of us? Must we forsake sin in order to come to Christ? Do we need to make Jesus Lord of our lives?
Chasing Goosebumps
Many of us have spent our Christian lives chasing after experiences. We live in pursuit of spiritual highs and that “first-time feeling.” There is something different and better. Jon and Justin talk about what that is.
Christian Liberty? The Weaker Brother?
What is the purpose of your sanctification? Who is it for? (Hint: It’s not for you.) We survey a number of passages from the New Testament to demonstrate the point of our growth in Christ.
Your Sanctification Is Not for You
What is the purpose of your sanctification? Who is it for? (Hint: It’s not for you.) We survey a number of passages from the New Testament to demonstrate the point of our growth in Christ.
The Birthplace of Bad Theology
Where does all bad theology come from? From our perspective, it comes from a loss of the church’s one foundation–that is, Jesus Christ and his work counted to us by faith alone.
Self-Examination?
Should you regularly be questioning your salvation? What about self-examination? When and how should you do that? The guys answer these questions and consider several passages of Scripture that speak to these issues.
MEMBERS: What Is-and Is Not-the Gospel? (Transcript)
The guys give advice to those who are stuck in a pietistic context.
Is Christ-Centered Preaching Dangerous? (Transcript)
There are a number of things discussed in the church as though they are part of the gospel–things like faith, repentance, obedience, and surrendering all to Jesus. But are these things the gospel? The guys have that conversation.
MEMBERS: Is Christ-Centered Preaching Dangerous? (Transcript)
The guys give advice to those who are stuck in a pietistic context.
Is Christ-Centered Preaching Dangerous? (Transcript)
Jon and Justin discuss an article entitled, “4 Ways Bad Biblical Theology Warps Sermons.” Is Christ-centered, redemptive-historical preaching dangerous? Is it unhelpful? Does it produce bad things in the church? The guys talk about this—and more.
MEMBERS: Leaving Pietism (Transcript)
The guys give advice to those who are stuck in a pietistic context.
Leaving Pietism (Transcript)
At Theocast, we talk a lot about pietism. What is it? What is the difference in piety and pietism? How does pietism affect us? Is there something better? If you find yourself struggling in the Christian life, is there something wrong with you? The guys answer these questions and more.
MEMBERS: Did We Fail 2020? (Transcript)
The guys continue reflecting on 2020 and the faithfulness of God.
Did We Fail 2020? (Transcript)
2020 has been a difficult year. (Understatement.) Jon and Justin reflect on what they have learned, as well as the faithfulness of God.
The Implications of the Incarnation (Transcript)
We had the joy of recording with Chad Bird, Daniel Emery Price, and Erick Sorensen of the 1517.org ministry for a special Christmas podcast. Why is the incarnation of Jesus important? How does it bring us hope, joy, and peace? We hope this conversation is uplifting and encouraging.