In Episode 12 of Countertop Theology, we continue the conversation around giving, tithing, and the tension many people feel when it comes to money and faith.

There's been a lot of confusion—and in some cases, manipulation—around topics like the "prosperity gospel," seed planting, and financial giving in the church. So what does the Bible actually say? And more importantly… what does God care about most?

We walk through:

• The difference between Old Testament and New Testament giving
• How verses like Malachi have been used (and misused)
• The book "The Midas Touch"
• Why context and multiple scriptures matter
• How to avoid manipulation while still living generously
• The role of your heart posture in giving

This isn't about guilt, pressure, or formulas—it's about building a genuine relationship with God and learning to trust Him in every area… including money.

👉 If you've ever felt skeptical, confused, or even hurt around this topic, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad David wrap up the six foundational principles from Hebrews 6 by tackling one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian faith—eternal judgment. For many, judgment brings fear, confusion, or even resistance. But what if we've been looking at it the wrong way? In this conversation, we explore: Why eternal judgment is actually rooted in the goodness of God The difference between judgment for believers vs. non-believers What Scripture really says about accountability, grace, and choice How culture is reshaping (and often distorting) this doctrine Why knowing the Word matters more than ever in today's world This episode brings clarity, tension, and hope—reminding us that while judgment is real, so is the invitation to life through Jesus. 👉 Whether you're new to faith, deconstructing, or looking to go deeper, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Key Scriptures Referenced: Hebrews 6, Romans 9–11, John 16, Revelation 20, 2 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 9:27, and more. 💬 If this episode impacted you, share it with someone and join the conversation.

In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad David tackle a topic that affects every believer but often comes with confusion, tension, and strong opinions: tithing and giving.

Is the tithe a command Christians are required to follow today, or is it part of the Old Testament law? What does the Bible actually say about generosity, offerings, and trusting God with our finances?

Drawing from David's 25+ years serving as a pastor responsible for teaching on giving, the conversation explores how his thinking has evolved over the years. Together they walk through key scriptures—from Cain and Abel to Abraham, Nehemiah, Malachi, and the teachings of Jesus—and discuss the deeper issue behind it all: the condition of the heart.

Rather than offering simple formulas, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with Scripture for themselves and develop a personal relationship with God in every area of life—including finances.

Topics discussed include:

• Where the idea of the 10% tithe comes from

• Old Testament giving vs New Testament generosity

• Misunderstood passages like Malachi 3

• Giving out of faith vs giving out of compulsion

• How generosity shapes our relationship with God

• Why asking questions is an important part of faith

Ultimately, the goal isn't legalism—it's discovering what it looks like to trust God and walk with Him in every area of life.

In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad continue their journey through the foundational teachings found in Hebrews 6 by exploring the doctrine of the laying on of hands.

What does it really mean? Is it symbolic, spiritual, or something more?

Drawing from both Old and New Testament examples, they unpack how the laying on of hands has been used for blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation — and why intentionality matters when we pray for others.

You'll hear:

✔️ The biblical roots of the laying on of hands ✔️ How physical actions connect to spiritual realities ✔️ Why this practice is considered foundational to Christian maturity ✔️ Practical ways to pray with intention for your family and others ✔️ Why discernment matters in who we allow to pray over us

Whether you grew up around this practice or it feels unfamiliar, this conversation brings clarity, depth, and practical insight into a doctrine that still shapes faith today.

👉 Next episode: Resurrection of the dead — another foundational teaching.

In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad, David Ellis, record from the road in Texas and dive into a thoughtful conversation about Lent, Sabbath, and the rhythms of faith that shape our lives.

Josh shares why he felt drawn to observe Lent for the first time and how it sparked deeper questions: Are there spiritual practices we've overlooked? What can we learn from traditions outside our own church backgrounds? And how do we honor God through discipline without falling into empty religious routine?

David reflects on his journey of faith, the power of spiritual habits, and how rhythms like Sabbath rest and intentional devotion shape identity, family life, and relationship with God.

Together they explore:

• The purpose behind Lent and preparing our hearts for Resurrection Sunday

• Sabbath as a life-giving rhythm, not a legalistic rule

• Learning from different Christian traditions

• Faith practices that build spiritual health and generational legacy

• How discipline can deepen relationship rather than replace it

Whether you grew up liturgical, charismatic, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to rediscover rhythms that draw you closer to God.

In Episode 6 of Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son, we continue our walk through the foundational doctrines in Hebrews 6:1–2—and this week we're on #3: the doctrine of baptisms.

Most churches "do baptism," but what does it actually mean? Dad breaks down the word baptizo (to submerge/cover completely) and why baptism is far more than a religious ritual—it's a public declaration of allegiance to the one true God and a renunciation of all others.

We talk through:

• Why baptism is a foundation of the faith (not a side issue)

• John's baptism and how repentance prepared people for Messiah

• Christian water baptism as an outward declaration with spiritual significance

• The baptism of the Holy Spirit (and why believers debate it)

• Why Western culture often ignores the spiritual realm—and why Scripture doesn't

• How to keep unity even when Christians disagree on secondary issues

If you've ever wondered about infant baptism vs. believer's baptism, why Jesus was baptized, or what "baptism of the Spirit" means—this conversation will help you think biblically, not just traditionally.

📩 Want to talk with us or ask a question for a future episode? Comment below or reach out through our socials.

Next episode: The next foundation in Hebrews 6—the laying on of hands.

#Baptism #Hebrews6 #CountertopTheology #HolySpirit #ChristianPodcast #Faith #BibleStudy

In Episode 5 of Countertop Theology, we step away from Hebrews 6 for a moment to talk about something many people are feeling right now—a deep shaking in the church.

Recent revelations involving well-known leaders and churches have stirred frustration, grief, confusion, and distrust, especially among younger generations. In this honest, unscripted conversation, we talk through what's happening, why it's happening, and how followers of Jesus can respond without losing their faith, their tenderness, or their love for the church.

We discuss:

• Why judgment begins with the house of God (1 Peter 4:17)

• Accountability vs. restoration—and why both matter

• Why apologies don't automatically restore trust

• The danger of bitterness, deconstruction, and "throwing stones"

• How broken systems, not just broken people, contribute to failure

• What younger generations are longing for: authenticity, integrity, and consistency

• Why Jesus—not leaders, movements, or platforms—must remain our foundation

This episode isn't about canceling leaders or defending institutions. It's about asking better questions, protecting our hearts, and staying faithful to Jesus in the middle of disappointment and change.

If you've felt unsettled, angry, confused, or tempted to walk away—this conversation is for you.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Countertop Theology—faith conversations about Jesus and the Word between a father and son.

In this episode, we circle back to clarify a key point from earlier conversations: the difference between a PhD, a doctorate, accreditation, and why it matters to represent those things accurately.

Then we return to Hebrews 6 and the "elementary principles of Christ" (foundational doctrines). After discussing repentance from dead works in the previous episode, we move into #2:

We explore why "faith toward God" is more than intellectual belief. The Greek word often translated "faith" is also translated faithfulness—which leads to a deeper idea: allegiance.

Even demons believe the facts about God—so the real question becomes: Where is your loyalty? Where is your allegiance?

• The difference between belief and faithfulness/allegiance

• Repentance as: change your mind → attitude → actions

• Why your loyalty can't be to denominations or traditions over Scripture

• The spiritual significance of baptism as a declaration of allegiance

• Hearing God through impressions, "random" thoughts, and obedience

• God's patience in sanctification: "room by room" transformation

📖 Referenced passages/topics include: Hebrews 6, James (faith and works), Galatians 5 (fruit of the Spirit), 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 6, Daniel 10, John 10, and the example of Abraham (Genesis 12–15; Romans 4; Galatians 3).

Welcome back to our countertop conversations. In this episode, Josh and his dad, David Ellis, pick up where they left off—walking through the foundational principles of Hebrews 6. They start with the first cornerstone: repentance from dead works.

This isn't a "gotcha" episode. It's a father–son conversation about real life—how we can love Jesus, mean well, and still pour energy into things that aren't producing fruit. They talk about how dead works can look like idols in the ancient world… and how they can look like burnout, misplaced priorities, or identity wrapped up in the wrong thing today.

Along the way, they discuss:

• Why foundations matter (and why bigger "buildings" require deeper foundations)

• How to recognize when something is no longer producing fruit

• The difference between "good" and "God's best"

• The danger of chasing new teachings without staying anchored in Scripture

• Why repentance often means a simple (but costly) shift: changing your mind