Romans 9 is one of the most debated—and often misunderstood—chapters in the New Testament. Does it teach that God sovereignly determines who will be saved and who will be lost? How do God’s sovereignty and man’s free will fit together? And what is the Apostle Paul actually arguing in the larger context of Romans?

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, I sit down with Brady Horton, author of God’s Righteous Mercy, a commentary on Romans 9. Brady shares his personal spiritual and theological journey, what led him to take a fresh look at this difficult passage, and how carefully following Paul’s argument challenged some of his previous assumptions.

We discuss election, predestination, human responsibility, free will, God’s sovereignty, Israel, Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh, the potter and the clay, and the importance of allowing Scripture—not a theological system—to define our understanding of Romans 9.

At the center of the conversation is a vital question: Is Romans 9 primarily explaining how God chooses which individuals will be saved, or is Paul defending God’s righteousness and faithfulness in His dealings with Israel and the nations?

Whether you come to Romans 9 from a Calvinist, non-Calvinist, or undecided perspective, this conversation is an invitation to open the Bible, follow Paul’s argument, and wrestle carefully with one of Scripture’s most important passages.

“Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” — Romans 9:18

*This podcast was originally posted on June 17*

In this special Father’s Day episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young is joined by his father, Pastor Tim Young, for a conversation on the greatest example of fatherhood—the Heavenly Father Himself.Together, they explore what Scripture reveals about God as a loving, faithful, patient, and gracious Father, and how earthly fathers can reflect His character in their homes. From His provision and discipline to His compassion and steadfast love, the Lord gives us the perfect pattern for biblical fatherhood.Whether you are a father, grandfather, son, or simply someone seeking to better understand the heart of God, this episode will encourage you to look to the Father from whom “the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15).Join us as we celebrate Father’s Day by considering the example of our Heavenly Father and His call to faithful fatherhood.

*This podcast was originally uploaded on June 24*

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

*This Podcast was originally uploaded on July 1, 2026*

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Steve Schwanke to discuss his decades of ministry experience as an evangelist and his transition into pastoral ministry ten years ago. Pastor Schwanke shares the story behind God's leading from the evangelistic field to the pastorate and reflects on the unique joys and challenges of both callings.Our conversation covers a wide range of practical ministry topics, including Pastor Schwanke's personal Bible memorization habits, his approach to sermon preparation and the journey "from the road to the sermon," and the importance of creating a welcoming church culture for guests and visitors. We also discuss lessons learned through years of ministry, pastoral leadership, evangelism, and the enduring importance of faithfully shepherding God's people.Whether you are a pastor, church leader, or faithful church member, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a seasoned servant of Christ who has spent a lifetime preaching the Gospel and investing in people.

How should believers respond when a well-known Christian leader falls into serious sin?

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young and Pastor Jonathan Mager discuss the recent Kenny Baldwin scandal and, more importantly, what God's Word teaches about responding to moments like these. Rather than focusing on speculation or gossip, this conversation explores how Christians can maintain their faith when trusted leaders fail.

Topics include:

Why our faith must rest in Christ, not personalities.

How to avoid cynicism after disappointment.

The danger of rejoicing in another person's fall.

The reality of counterfeit believers and false professions.

What repentance, restoration, and justice look like biblically.

Practical counsel for protecting your own walk with God.

Scandals may shake churches, but they never shake the throne of God. Join us as we discuss how believers can respond with truth, grace, discernment, and unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." — Hebrews 13:8

As summer brings a change of pace, it also gives us an opportunity to recover something many Christians have lost—the biblical rhythm of rest. In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young and Pastor Jon Mager discuss the biblical principle of the Sabbath and what it looks like to practice intentional rest in a world that celebrates constant activity.

Drawing from Scripture and Pastor Jack's recent article on Summer Sabbaths, they explore why God designed rest as a gift rather than a burden, how Jesus modeled healthy rhythms of ministry, and why slowing down can actually make us more effective in serving the Lord. They also discuss practical ways pastors, ministry leaders, and busy families can build times of refreshment into their lives without becoming lazy or neglecting their responsibilities.

Whether you're feeling spiritually drained, physically exhausted, or simply looking to establish healthier rhythms, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical ideas for finding renewal in Christ.

In this episode you'll discover:

The difference between biblical rest and laziness.

Why God built Sabbath principles into creation.

How rest strengthens rather than weakens ministry.

Practical ways to schedule "summer sabbaths" for yourself and your family.

How seasons of rest prepare us for greater faithfulness in the work God has called us to do.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

In this special Bible study presentation, Dr. Bill Grady examines the modern controversies surrounding the nation of Israel through the lens of Scripture and God's everlasting covenant promises to Abraham. Drawing from Romans 11 and the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Grady explores God's continuing purposes for Israel and the certainty of His prophetic word.

A central theme of this study is the powerful illustration of the prodigal son. Dr. Grady demonstrates how both sons in the parable—the rebellious younger son and the self-righteous elder brother—ultimately point to God's redemptive purposes, illustrating the biblical truth that one day both Jew and Gentile believers will rejoice together in the Father's house.

This message addresses important questions concerning Israel's present condition, God's covenant faithfulness, the relationship between Israel and the Church, and the hope of future restoration promised throughout Scripture. Whether you are studying biblical prophecy, Romans 11, or God's unfolding plan of redemption, this lesson offers a thoughtful and Scripture-centered perspective on one of the Bible's most significant themes.

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Steve Schwanke to discuss his decades of ministry experience as an evangelist and his transition into pastoral ministry ten years ago. Pastor Schwanke shares the story behind God's leading from the evangelistic field to the pastorate and reflects on the unique joys and challenges of both callings.Our conversation covers a wide range of practical ministry topics, including Pastor Schwanke's personal Bible memorization habits, his approach to sermon preparation and the journey "from the road to the sermon," and the importance of creating a welcoming church culture for guests and visitors. We also discuss lessons learned through years of ministry, pastoral leadership, evangelism, and the enduring importance of faithfully shepherding God's people.Whether you are a pastor, church leader, or faithful church member, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a seasoned servant of Christ who has spent a lifetime preaching the Gospel and investing in people.

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

In this special Father’s Day episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young is joined by his father, Pastor Tim Young, for a conversation on the greatest example of fatherhood—the Heavenly Father Himself.Together, they explore what Scripture reveals about God as a loving, faithful, patient, and gracious Father, and how earthly fathers can reflect His character in their homes. From His provision and discipline to His compassion and steadfast love, the Lord gives us the perfect pattern for biblical fatherhood.Whether you are a father, grandfather, son, or simply someone seeking to better understand the heart of God, this episode will encourage you to look to the Father from whom “the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15).Join us as we celebrate Father’s Day by considering the example of our Heavenly Father and His call to faithful fatherhood.