Cultivated

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice!" Most of us have heard this verse before, but what can we make of the importance Paul is placing on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord? In today's podcast, Zach discusses the Why of Worship, how eschatology drives us, why we can worship always, and how to meditate on Scripture.

In today's episode Zach and Cody discuss the importance of creeds, confessions, and catechisms that have been passed down to us from centuries ago. How can we benefit from consulting and studying these resources?

When tension arises between us and another, how should we respond? Paul addresses a significant disagreement between two of the women at the church of Philippi, and helps us learn some principles for dealing with differences with believers and unbelievers alike.

In today's episode we continue our "Know Your Theologian" with a discussion of Charles Spurgeon, a 19th-century preacher, particular Baptist, and theologian hailing from Essex, England. Spurgeon is well known for his engaging sermons and devotional works such as Morning and Evening. Today, Zach and Cody discuss Spurgeon's influence in their own studies and great resources to recommend. Check out the end of the episode for a surprise!

1 John 2:2 says that Christ is an advocate for us and that He is not only the propitiation for our sins, but for the sins "of the whole world." What does this mean? Is John suggesting that Christ's death was a sort of universal redemption (He died for all of sin of all mankind), or is the atonement particular in nature? Today, Zach and Cody talk about the doctrine of Limited Atonement, break down 1 John 2:2 and offer some biblical and logical supports for a view of particular redemption. This is a critical doctrine to get right.

With the world reeling over recent tragedy and examples of human suffering, it is easy to lose track of our safety, both physically and spiritually. In this passage of Philippians, Charles walks us through Paul's exhortation to the people at Philippi and outlines the significance of having our citizenship in heaven.

The Christian life is oftentimes described as a journey. It is a lifelong, time-consuming, curvy road we walk down for our entire lives. In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul extends this metaphor out and talks about the one thing we should strive to do. Uniting the importance of "forgetting what is behind" with "straining forward to what is ahead," Paul is teaching us a fundamental discipline in living the Christian life.

The phrase "systematic theology" can come off as intimidating, but actually it's a really beneficial approach to studying God for all of us. What is systematic theology, why should non-seminary students study it, and what qualities make up a good systematic treatment of God? Zach and Cody seek to discuss these questions and more on today's episode.

In today's podcast, Zach continues the study of Philippians and draws out the four key implications of knowing Christ and why it's of "surpassing worth."

One of the key components of the Reformation was upholding and protecting Sola Gratia, or "grace alone." But what does this concept look like in our Christian walk, and according to Paul's letter to Philippi. In opening to the beginning of Philippians 3, Charles helps unpack this rich doctrine of grace.