Cage Free Theology

In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will address the question that surfaces every spring: Should Christians observe Lent? Clint shares his personal journey from growing up in the Catholic church—complete with "smudge" crosses and failed attempts at giving up Coca-Cola—to finding spiritual freedom in evangelical Christianity. The duo explores the historical roots of Lent, dating back to the second century, while contrasting modern "virtue signaling" with the biblical call for private devotion. 

Whether you’re curious about the origins of Ash Wednesday or looking for meaningful ways to anticipate Resurrection Sunday without the man-made rules, this episode offers a balanced, biblical perspective on self-discipline and the rhythm of the Christian life.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:42 – Growing up Catholic and the "Coke addiction" fast
2:01 – From Fat Tuesday to Ash Wednesday: the Lent timeline
4:51 – Does Lent predate the Roman Catholic Church?
6:37 – Liberation vs. Tradition
8:53 – Jesus’s warnings on public fasting in Matthew 6
11:11 – Healthy ways to prepare for Easter
12:54 – An alternative to formal Lenten structures

In today's episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will give the highlights and takeaways from the Shepherds’ Conference 2026, held from March 4–6 at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley. This year’s theme, “Servant of the Word: The Life and Ministry of John MacArthur,” served as a profound tribute to Dr. MacArthur’s 56 years of steadfast dedication to the lordship of Christ and the sufficiency of Scripture. 

We get into:

     The Keynote Sessions: Abner Chou’s opening on Christ’s lordship, John Piper’s exhortation on the glory of the church, and Paul Washer’s stirring call for pastors to be men of private prayer and deep biblical communion. 

     Legacy & Conviction: Discussing the "Friends of John MacArthur" Q&A featuring Al Mohler, Mark Dever, and Ligon Duncan, where they explored the global impact of five decades of expository preaching. 

     Theological Precision: Summarizing critical sessions from Michael Reeves on seeking God’s glory. 

Whether you were in the room in Los Angeles or followed along via the livestream, this recap provides a concise summary of the doctrinal clarity and spiritual refreshment that defined the 2026 conference.

This episode concludes the "Tulip" series on Cage Free Theology, we’re diving into the "P": Perseverance of the Saints. Hosts Clint and Will clarify why this doctrine is more than just the "once saved, always saved" cliché. They explore the vital tension between God’s sovereign preservation and the believer’s call to holiness, offering deep comfort for the struggling Christian and a sobering look at what it means to truly belong to Christ.

We tackle the tough questions:
    What’s the difference between "Once Saved Always Saved" and biblical perseverance?
    How do we handle the "Tears" among the "Wheat" in the local church?
    Why is our security 100% based on His faithfulness, not our own?

If you’ve ever wrestled with your assurance or wondered about those who walk away from the faith, this episode is for you.

Tune in to find comfort in the promise that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:55 - A "nutshell" definition
1:55 - Perseverance vs. "Once Saved, Always Saved" 
4:04 - The faithfulness of God—not the strength of the believer—is the anchor of security
5:38 - The Role of the Believer and working out your own salvation 
6:50 - A look at Colossians 1:22-23
8:10 - Why the 5 Points Stand Together
11:25 - Apostasy - people who "fall away" 
14:02 - Wheat and Tears
17:07 - Thistles and Church Membership
19:13 - Recommended Resources

==================================== 
📖Scriptures And References Mentioned In This Episode:
Jude 1
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 2:12–13
Hebrews 12:14
1 Corinthians 10:13
Colossians 1:22–23
Romans 8:30
James 2:19
1 John 2:19, 25
Romans 8:38–39
Matthew 13:24–30
1 Corinthians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:14

BOOKS FOR BEGINNER:
-The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented * Editors: David Steele, Curtis Thomas, and Lance Quinn.
-Chosen by God R.C. Sproul

BOOKS FOR  INTERMEDIATE:
-The History and Theology of Calvinism Kurt Daniel

BOOKS FOR ADVANCED:
-From Heaven He Came and Sought Her David & Jonathan Gibson (Editors)

John MacArthur: Sermon series on the TULIP (The Doctrines of Grace) is a great audio resource for those who prefer listening while driving.

Can you really say "no" to God? In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will dive into the "I" of the TULIP—Irresistible Grace.

While many people worry this doctrine turns humans into robots, Clint and Will explain why it’s actually a beautiful picture of God’s "wooing" and His power to save. They distinguish between the general call (the gospel message heard by everyone) and the effectual call (the internal work of the Spirit that leads to life). Using analogies ranging from spear-fishing to Star Trek, they explore how God doesn't override our will, but graciously wins our hearts.

If you’ve ever wondered if regeneration precedes faith, or why some people respond to the gospel while others don’t, this episode provides a clear, scriptural roadmap through Romans 8, John 6, and Titus 3.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – What is Irresistible Grace?
0:28 – Recap of the TULIP series so far
0:54 – Defining Irresistible Grace: God’s success in saving
1:57 – The corny Calvinist pickup lines
2:29 – Can people resist the gospel? (General vs. Effectual call)
3:17 – Who cashes the check of salvation?
3:50 – Biblical examples of the "General Call"
4:30 – The "Tractor Beam"
5:50 – Addressing Acts 7:51
6:45 – Proof Texts
8:43 – Working out what God works in
9:12 – The Golden Chain
11:48 – Are we robots?
15:20 – Being "Born Again"
17:18 – The Big Debate: Does regeneration precede faith?
21:17 – Bait vs. Spearfishing

In this third installment of our Calvinism mini-series, Clint and Will tackle the most controversial petal of the TULIP acronym: Limited Atonement. Often misunderstood as a claim that Christ’s power is "limited," the hosts clarify why many Reformed theologians prefer the terms Definite Atonement or Particular Redemption.

Is the cross a "potential" bridge that only goes halfway, requiring a human jump of faith to complete? Or is it a narrow bridge that carries the elect all the way to God?
Here is what the guys discuss in this episode:
-Why "Penal Substitutionary Atonement" is the bedrock of this conversation.
-The "PR" Problem
-The Bridge Analogy
-Examining key texts like John 10 (the Good Shepherd), Matthew 1:21, and the High Priestly prayer in John 17.
-How do we handle "universal" language in verses like 1 John 2:2 and 2 Peter 2:1?
-Trinitarian Harmony

Whether you consider yourself a "five-pointer," a "four-pointer," or are just trying to understand what all the fuss is about, this episode offers a grounded, scriptural look at the intent and extent of the Cross.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – What is Limited Atonement?
0:33 – Positioning the "L" within the TULIP acronym
1:04 – Defining the Atonement
3:06 – Addressing the "PR problem"
4:06 – Why "Definite Atonement" is often a better term
5:36 – Everyone Limits the Atonement
6:35 – The Bridge Analogy
9:04 – Why this point is the most controversial of the five
10:05 – The Good Shepherd (John 10)
14:41 – Why do some people not believe? (John 10:26)
16:01 – High Priestly Background
20:28 – Romans 8:32 and the promise of "all things"
21:33 – 1 Timothy 4:10: Savior of all people, especially those who believe
24:41 – Trinitarian Harmony: Unity between the Father, Son, and Spirit
35:01 – Handling "Problem Passages"

==================================== 
📖Scripture References Mentioned In This Episode:
Matthew 1:21
John 10:11, 15
John 10:26-28 
John 17:9 
Acts 20:28 
Ephesians 5:25 
Hebrews 9:12, 15 
Romans 8:32 
Revelation 5:9 
John 3:16 
1 Timothy 2:1-6 
1 Timothy 4:10 
1 John 2:2 
2 Peter 2:1

What is Unconditional Election?  Is God’s choice based on our potential, or is it purely an act of sovereign grace?  If salvation depended even 1% on us, could we ever be sure of it?

In this installment of our multi-week series on "Calvinism Explained: The Five Points of Calvinism," Clint Archer and Will Brannon go into a deep dive on the "U" in TULIP: Unconditional Election.  Together they explore one of the most debated doctrines in Christian theology, discussing the biblical basis for the belief that God chooses individuals for salvation based solely on His will—rather than any foreseen merit, faith, or "goodness" in the person.

Our discussion covers:
   -The Definition: What "unconditional" actually means in a theological context
   -The Scriptural Roots: Breaking down key passages from Romans 9 and Ephesians 1
   -The Common Objections: Addressing the "Is it fair?" question

Whether you’re a lifelong theologian or just curious about why your Reformed friends talk about "the elect" so much, this episode offers a grounded, respectful look at a doctrine that changes everything about how we view the Gospel.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:42 – What Does "Election" Actually Mean in the Bible?
2:30 – Does God Choose Based on Potential? (The Free Will Debate)
3:39 – Ephesians 1: Were We Chosen Before the World Began?
5:21 – Why Total Depravity Makes Unconditional Election Necessary
6:10 – The "Golden Chain of Salvation" in Romans 8
7:43 – Romans 9: Jacob, Esau, and the Purpose of Election
9:00 – Addressing the "Is It Fair?" Objection
11:48 – Pharaoh and the Sovereignty of God
14:40 – Does "Foreknowledge" Mean God Just Looked Into the Future?
20:11 – The Relationship Between Election and Good Works
22:45 – How Unconditional Election Actually Increases Assurance
24:45 – Does This Doctrine Destroy Evangelism and Missions?
29:05 – Is This "Advanced" Theology or Essential for Every Believer?

In this first installment of our multi-week series on the "Calvinism Explained: The Five Points of Calvinism," Clint Archer and Will Brannon dive into the "T" in TULIP: Total Depravity. They discuss why this doctrine is often misunderstood, where it originated historically, and—most importantly—what the Bible actually says about the human condition and our inability to seek God apart from His grace.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – Intro: What is Total Depravity?
0:30 – Starting the "Tulip" series: Why five points?
1:55 – John Calvin vs. Jacob Arminius
2:35 – How the five points were formulated
3:33 – Can Clint define Total Depravity in one sentence?
4:10 – Does it mean humans are as evil as possible?
4:42 – The "Poison in the Water" 
5:57 – Jeremiah 17:9 DON'T follow your heart
7:33 – Total Depravity vs. Complete Inability
7:50 – Deep Dive: Romans 8:7
9:16 – The "Spiritual Zombie" 
14:50 – Why a dog doesn't meow
16:40 – Why the Gospel is "folly" to the natural person
20:25 – The Doctrine of Original Sin
25:50 – Are Christians still totally depraved after salvation?

Are there still Apostles in the church today? In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon dive deep into the biblical definition of an "Apostle." They distinguish between the general sense of being a "sent one" and the specific, capital-A office held by the original Twelve and the Apostle Paul.

The duo breaks down the strict biblical requirements for the office—including being an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ—and explains why this office was a unique foundation for the early church rather than an ongoing position. From discussing whether Judas was technically an Apostle to addressing modern claims from the Catholic Church and charismatic movements, this episode provides a clear, scriptural framework for understanding authority in the church today.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:41 – Defining the Word: "Apostle" vs. "Sent One"
3:54 – Big "A", Apostles and the official office
5:35 – Do you know how many Apostles there were?
6:22 – James and Barnabas: "Big A" or Little "a"?
9:56 – Requirement 1 (Eyewitness of the Ministry)
11:03 – Requirement 2 (Witness of the Resurrection)
12:41 – Requirement 3 (Miraculous Signs/Powers)
16:37 – Did every Apostle receive direct Revelation?
20:50 – Why there are no Apostles today (Laatlammetjie)
24:29 – Catholics, Mormons, and the "Gift of Apostleship"

"Would you kick me out of your church?"  And what do you do when a fellow believer refuses to turn from sin? Today's episode of Cage-Free Theology provides a clear, compassionate, and biblical breakdown of one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian faith: church discipline. Pastors Clint Archer and Will Brandon clarify the process, explaining that it isn’t about "shunning" or "kicking people out," but rather a heart-wrenching pursuit of love intended to restore the individual and protect the purity of the church. 

Using Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 as their guide, they walk through the practical steps of handling unrepentant sin.  They discuss the vital role of church elders and the congregation in the restoration process and show how church discipline is actually a beautiful path toward healing and restoration.

Whether you're a pastor navigating a difficult situation or a church member who wants to understand how to love others through their deepest struggles, this episode offers the biblical clarity you need.  Tune in to see how the "hardest thing a church does" is often the most loving thing it can provide.

==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
[00:00:00] – What Is Church Discipline And Why Does It Matter?
[00:00:33] – It’s Not "Amish shunning"
[00:01:11] – 2 Primary Goals: Restoration Of The Person & Purity Of The Church
[00:03:17] – The "Love vs. Discipline" False Dichotomy
[00:05:06] – Why You Should Look For A Church That Practices Discipline
[00:06:41] – Step 1: The Private, One-On-One Confrontation
[00:07:23] – Step 2: Bringing 2 Or 3 Witnesses To Confirm Facts
[00:08:41] – Does Discipline Apply to Non-Members?
[00:12:28] – Step 3: "Tell It To The Church"—The Members-Only Meeting
[00:14:14] – Step 4: Excommunication & Communion
[00:16:10] – 1 Corinthians 5: "Do Not Even Eat With Them"
[00:19:12] – 5 Years Of Discipline Leading To Restoration
[00:22:40] – Which Sins Qualify For Discipline? 
[00:26:10] – Handling Factious & Divisive People (Titus 3)
[00:32:18] – Trusting Your Elders Through The Process

==================================== 
📥 Subscribe for more practical Bible tips: @CageFreeTheology 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos to help you grow in faith
https://www.instagram.com/drclintarcher/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCZDzxFOiCR7eQWCgtKKXHIA

Is Artificial Intelligence a gift to the modern pastor or a threat to the integrity of the pulpit? In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon dive into the ethics of using AI for Bible study and sermon preparation.

From the "Tower of Babel" risks of relying on technology to the practical benefits of using AI as a "digital intern" for research and illustrations, we explore where to draw the line. We discuss why the process of study is just as important as the final product and why the Holy Spirit’s work in the preacher can’t be automated.

Key Topics in this Episode:
   - Why "fetching" information is different from "creating" content.
    -The danger of losing critical thinking skills.
    -How tools like Logos are integrating AI responsibly.
    -The "dirty" feeling of AI-generated alliteration.
==================================== 
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:25 – Should pastors use AI for sermon prep?
1:16 – The Ark vs. The Tower of Babel
2:05 – Warning #1: Using AI to write the sermon for you
2:54 – The mandate for the preacher to be a "workman" - 2 Timothy 2:15
3:30 – Warning #2: The loss of pastoral authenticity and personal connection
4:55 – Warning #3: Short-circuiting the work of the Holy Spirit in the study process
6:51 – Is there a place for AI in closed countries with limited training?
8:18 – AI can erode the ability to think critically 
9:26 – AI as a tool to "fetch" information, not to "create" content
10:36 – Real examples
13:46 – AI integration in Bible software
15:52 – Is using AI for alliteration "cheating"?
==================================== 
📥 Subscribe for more practical Bible tips: @CageFreeTheology 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos to help you grow in faith
https://www.instagram.com/drclintarcher/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCZDzxFOiCR7eQWCgtKKXHIA