Dr. Susan's Corner

Is death the end, or is something greater still to come?

In the series finale of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Aaron Armstrong explore judgment, the return of Christ, resurrection, and the Christian hope of a renewed creation. Drawing from Revelation 21, they explain that believers are not destined for an eternity of disembodied existence, but for life with God in glorified bodies within a new heaven and new earth.

The end of the Christian story is not death, sorrow, or pain. It is restoration, resurrection, and God dwelling with His people forever.

Thank you for joining us throughout this series. Like, subscribe, share, and revisit any episodes you may have missed. We also invite you to leave your questions and continue the conversation.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for the final episode as we ask: What comes next for believers and for the world?

Credits and SourcesAaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Is the Holy Spirit a force, a power, or a person?

In Episode 11 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Aaron Armstrong explain that the Holy Spirit is not an “it,” but the third person of the Trinity. Drawing from Genesis, John 14, and Acts, they explore His work as Helper, Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate.

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with believers. He empowers us to serve, guides us in truth, shapes our character, and helps us become more like Christ. The Christian life was never meant to be lived through willpower alone.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for the final episode as we ask: What comes next for believers and for the world?

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Is salvation simply a decision, or does God actually make us new?

In Episode 10 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Aaron Armstrong explore how salvation transforms a person. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6 and Titus 3, they explain regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification—from receiving new life through the Holy Spirit to being welcomed into God’s family and gradually becoming who we already are in Christ.

Salvation is immediate, but spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. This conversation encourages us to extend grace to ourselves and others while allowing the Holy Spirit to continue His transforming work.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for Episode 11 as we explore who the Holy Spirit is and the role He plays in our lives.

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Why did Jesus have to die, what does atonement mean, and why is the resurrection essential to the Christian faith?

In Episode 9 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore the cross, Christ’s substitutionary death, and His victory over the grave. Because humanity could not overcome sin or restore its relationship with God, Jesus took our place, bore the penalty for sin, and made reconciliation possible.

Drawing from John 3:16, Ephesians 2, and 1 Corinthians 15, they explain that the gospel does not end with Jesus’ death. He was buried, raised on the third day, and seen by many witnesses. His resurrection confirms that sin’s debt has been paid, death has been defeated, and new life is available to everyone who believes.

This episode also extends a personal invitation to receive Christ, trust in His finished work, and begin walking with Him.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for Episode 10.

Credits and SourcesAaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Was Jesus simply a prophet, moral teacher, or inspiring example? Or is He truly the Son of God?

In Episode 8 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong examine Christianity’s central question: Who is Jesus? Drawing from Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ and Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant, they explain why Jesus cannot be reduced to merely a good man.

Jesus is one person with two complete natures: fully God and fully human. He is not a demigod, a human who later became divine, or God merely appearing to be human. Because He is both God and man, He alone can represent humanity, fulfill God’s righteous standard, deal with our sin, and reconcile us to the Father.

Jesus is not simply an example to follow. He is the promised Messiah and the mediator we desperately need.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for the next episode.

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

In Episode 7 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explain that sin is more than breaking religious rules or violating cultural standards. It is rebellion against God expressed through our actions, words, thoughts, desires, and failures to do what is right.

Drawing from Genesis 3, they trace how humanity’s decision to distrust God introduced shame, blame, alienation, painful toil, and death into the world. Sin damaged our relationship with God, one another, ourselves, and creation. Yet understanding sin is not meant to leave us trapped in guilt. It helps us recognize our need for Jesus and see more clearly the depth of God’s love.

The story may feel hopeless, but brokenness does not have the final word. Join us for Episode 8: Jesus: More Than a Good Man?

Like, subscribe, and share, and explore Aaron Armstrong’s Faith Simplified for more accessible teaching on the Christian faith.

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Is the world limited to what we can see and touch, or is there a spiritual realm operating beyond our natural sight? Why are some people comfortable believing in angels but hesitant to believe in God, demons, or spiritual warfare?

In Episode 6 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore what Scripture teaches about angels, demons, Satan, and the unseen spiritual world. The Bible presents angels as created spiritual beings who serve God, while demons are rebellious spiritual beings who oppose God’s purposes. Satan is powerful, but he is neither God’s equal nor beyond God’s authority.Drawing from Ephesians 6:10–12, they discuss Paul’s teaching that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood, but also against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil. Some visible conflicts may have an unseen spiritual dimension, which is why believers must remain prayerful, discerning, and spiritually prepared.

This episode also offers an important balance. Christians should not deny the reality of spiritual forces, but neither should they assume that every problem, illness, disagreement, or hardship is caused by demonic activity. Biblical discernment helps us recognize spiritual opposition without becoming fearful, fixated, or careless in our conclusions.

Most importantly, believers do not face the unseen realm without authority. Through Jesus Christ, we can resist the devil, confront spiritual opposition, and stand against forces seeking to hinder God’s purposes. Our confidence is not in our own strength, but in Christ, under whose feet all powers and authorities have been placed.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for Episode 7 as we ask: What is sin, and why are we so broken?

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Who am I? Why am I here? Does my life have an inherent purpose, or must I create meaning for myself?

In Episode 5 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore what the Bible teaches about humanity, identity, and purpose. If God is entirely self-sufficient and does not need us, why did He create us?

Drawing from Genesis 1:26–28, they explain what it means for human beings to be created in the image and likeness of God. We reflect Him through capacities such as relationship, creativity, moral responsibility, and the ability to exercise wise stewardship. Both male and female bear God’s image fully and equally.

Being made in God’s image also gives every person inherent dignity and worth. Our value is not earned through achievements, status, ability, or the approval of others. It is rooted in who created us. Although sin has damaged the way we reflect God’s character, it has not erased His image within humanity.

The episode also examines God’s command to exercise dominion over creation. Biblical dominion is not permission to exploit the earth or other people. It is a responsibility to cultivate, protect, and govern what God has entrusted to us in a way that reflects His character. Before we can fully answer, “Who am I?” we must first ask, “Who made me?” Our deepest identity and purpose are found not by looking only within ourselves, but by knowing the God whose image we bear. Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for next week for Episode 6.Credits and SourcesAaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Episode 4: Three in One, Seriously?

Christians believe in one God, yet they speak of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Does Christianity teach that there are three gods? Is the Trinity a contradiction, or is it a mystery that can be meaningfully understood?

In Episode 4 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore one of Christianity’s most profound doctrines. The Trinity means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully and equally God, yet there remains only one God.

Drawing from Matthew 3:13–17, they examine the baptism of Jesus, where the Son is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven. This remarkable moment reveals the three persons acting distinctly while remaining perfectly united.

The conversation also explains why familiar illustrations involving eggs, water, or other created things ultimately fall short. Nothing else in creation exists exactly as God does. The Trinity can be faithfully described from Scripture, but it cannot be reduced to a perfect human analogy.

Why does this doctrine matter? Because understanding how God has revealed Himself shapes everything else Christians believe. The Trinity shows us that relationship and love have always existed within God Himself. We were not created because God was lonely or incomplete, but because He freely chose to invite us into the love and fellowship He has eternally enjoyed.

Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for Episode 5 next week.

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

It is easy to say that God is good when life is going well. But what happens when our lives begin to fall apart or the suffering around us makes us question what God is truly like?

In Episode 3 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore the attributes that reveal who God is. They explain what Christians mean when they describe God as eternal, self-sufficient, unchanging, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent.The conversation then turns to God’s moral character. Scripture reveals Him as loving, just, merciful, gracious, faithful, truthful, and good. These are not separate or competing parts of His personality. God is perfectly and completely all these things at once.

Drawing from Exodus 34:5–7, Dr. Susan and Aaron examine one of Scripture’s clearest revelations of God’s character. He abounds in steadfast love and forgiveness, yet He is also holy and just. His goodness does not mean that He ignores sin, and His justice does not diminish His mercy.

Whether you are trying to understand God for the first time or learning to trust Him through a difficult season, this episode invites you to move beyond assumptions and discover who God reveals Himself to be.

Like, subscribe, and share, then spend time exploring God’s attributes in Scripture for yourself. As you seek Him, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word and lead you into a deeper knowledge of God.

Credits and Sources

Aaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).

Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).

Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet* (Zondervan Academic, 2020).

Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).