Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a central figure in the First Great Awakening and is often regarded as America’s greatest preacher and theologian. This episode explores his life, ministry, controversies, and lasting legacy.

From his early years in colonial New England to his role in the Great Awakening, we look at Edwards’ most influential sermons and writings, his dismissal from Northampton, his missionary work in Stockbridge, and his brief presidency at Princeton. Along the way, we consider both his enduring contributions to theology and the challenges he faced, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most important figures in American church history.

Top 5 Jonathan Edwards Biographies:

1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden

2. A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden

3. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray

4. The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan

5. Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God by Dane Ortlund

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The world prizes wisdom, power, and wealth—yet Scripture warns us not to boast in these fleeting pursuits. In this sermon from Jeremiah 9:23–24, we are reminded that true satisfaction cannot be found in the things of this world. Instead, God calls us to set our hearts on knowing Him, the source of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.

We examine the ways worldly ambitions can subtly pull us away from Christ and how only a greater affection for God can free us from their grip. Through biblical teaching, practical reflection, and insights from voices like C.S. Lewis and Thomas Chalmers, this message encourages us to pursue eternal treasures rather than temporary gains.

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Dr. Matthew Barrett recently announced that he is leaving the Southern Baptist Convention and joining the Anglican tradition, citing his shift to paedobaptism as a major factor. In his announcement, he references Acts 2:39—“For the promise is for you and for your children…”—as part of the biblical basis for this change.

In this video, we take a closer look at that verse. Does Acts 2:39 actually support the practice of infant baptism? Is it a strong argument against believer’s baptism as held by Baptists?

Let's explore five key reasons why this verse does not teach paedobaptism—and why the broader context actually reinforces the Baptist view of baptism as a response of personal faith.

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In a world where Christianity is often portrayed by critics as a force for oppression and intolerance, my guest Mark David Hall offers a different perspective.

In this replay episode we discuss his book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans, which details how Christianity has played a significant role in advancing liberty and equality throughout the history of the United States.

We Talk About:
• How critical views such as those of the 1619 Project portray Christianity
• Ways in which the Puritans helped set the stage for representational government
• The role of Christians during the Revolutionary War era
• How Scripture was misused in our history to support the evils of slavery
• The impact of Christians on the abolitionist movement to end slavery
• How followers of Christ should view their role in the public square today

Listen as we discuss Christianity's important contributions to the founding and growth of the American Experiment

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• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Join me for an encouraging and practical conversation with Dr. Andy Naselli on the topic of sanctification—how Christians grow in holiness.

I recently had the opportunity to host this Q&A with Dr. Naselli at a conference hosted by Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks, ND. We had a previous conversation on episode 91 of the podcast, where we discussed his book 'How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers.'

Dr. Naselli serves as Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, and as lead pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, MN. He has authored around 25 books on theology and Christian living.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ The role of works in the Christian life
✅ How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility intersect
✅ Practical ways to pursue Christlikeness
✅ The role of theology in spiritual growth
✅ The importance of reading and cultivating a learning culture in churches

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• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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In Psalm 13, David cries out, “How long, O Lord?”—a question that echoes in the hearts of many who find themselves weighed down by sorrow, pain, and unanswered prayers. 

This sermon explores how Psalm 13 gives voice to real anguish while also pointing us to a hope that endures. If you're facing a long trial, feeling forgotten by God, or struggling to hold on, this reflection on lament, prayer, and trust will help you find comfort not in easy answers, but in the steadfast love of the Lord. 

Psalm 13 (ESV)

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

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Former cold-case detective and bestselling apologist J. Warner Wallace returns to the Reasonable Theology Podcast — and this time, he’s joined by his son, Jimmy Wallace, who is also a detective and Christian apologist. 

Together, they’ve created a compelling new graphic novel that explores important truths through storytelling: Case Files: Murder and Meaning.

In this episode, we’ll explore: 

• Their real-life experiences in law enforcement
• How detective work informs their approach to Christian apologetics
• Why fiction and storytelling can powerfully point people to truth
• The creative journey behind their graphic novel
• What it's like working on a faith-based project as a father-son team

This is a fun and insightful conversation with lots of laughs, wisdom, and encouragement for those looking to effectively explore and explain Christian concepts to others.

Resources & show notes: ReasonableTheology.org/casefiles

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There is no joy on Easter Sunday without the sorrow of Good Friday. 

There is no resurrection without the cross. 

And there is no salvation without them both. 

Without the events of Sunday morning the events of Friday afternoon were merely a terrible tragedy.

The cross was necessary, as it was here Christ bore the wrath of God against sin and took the full weight of its punishment so that our debt of sin against God could be paid in full. 

Romans 5:10 says “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”

The Resurrection was necessary, for a dead Savior cannot save anyone. As we read in Romans 4:25, Christ “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

That Christ rose from the dead three days later proves that His sacrifice for sin was accepted by the Father and that Jesus truly has power over both sin and death. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is who Scripture says He is!

Listen to this sermon on Matthew 28 to gain a fuller appreciation for the reality of the Resurrection, the reactions people had and have to this reality, and the right response to the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

See the full transcript of this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/Easter

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 In John 8:48-59 we find a dramatic confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders that culminates in one of His clearest declarations of deity: "Before Abraham was, I AM." The Jewish leaders understand His claim—That He is declaring Himself to be God—and attempt to stone Him.

In this sermon we'll explore Christ’s promise that “if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death,” the true nature of sin, and why Jesus must be truly God and truly man in order to accomplish our salvation. 

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Chapter 9 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith addresses free will, teaching that humans were created with free will. After Adam's fall, however, humanity lost the ability to choose any spiritual good that accompanies salvation. Through conversion, God renews the human will, enabling people to desire spiritual good — imperfectly in this life and perfectly in glory.

Pick up a copy of the 1689 London Baptist Confession in modern English

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