Reasoning Through the Bible

God speaks loudest when His people aren't listening. The prophet Ezekiel knew this challenge intimately, serving a "hard-headed" community of Jewish exiles who had lost their homeland, their temple, and seemingly their connection to God. Rather than just delivering another sermon, God directed Ezekiel to become a living demonstration—building miniature siege works, tunneling through walls, lying motionless for months, and employing bizarre visual aids that couldn't be ignored.

What makes Ezekiel such a fascinating prophet is how thoroughly God documented His messages. Eleven times throughout this prophetic book, we find precisely dated revelations that create a 22-year ministry timeline beginning July 31, 593 BC. This meticulous dating wasn't just for historical accuracy; it established divine authority for messages that often contradicted what people wanted to hear. While false prophets promised a quick return from exile, Ezekiel delivered the uncomfortable truth that restoration would follow a lengthy period of judgment.

The book's clear three-part structure illuminates God's larger purposes: chapters 1-24 pronounce judgment against rebellious Israel, chapters 25-39 address the surrounding nations, and chapters 40-48 provide hope through promises of future restoration. This organizational framework offers crucial context for interpreting Ezekiel's challenging visions, especially his detailed temple prophecies that have perplexed readers for centuries.

Perhaps most encouraging is the realization that Ezekiel himself was an ordinary person transformed by extraordinary divine encounter. When "the hand of the Lord" came upon him, this displaced priest became a powerful messenger. The same principle applies to us—our effectiveness in ministry doesn't depend on innate abilities but on God's empowering presence working through willing vessels.

Whether you're familiar with prophecy or approaching these ancient texts for the first time, join us in this verse-by-verse exploration of Ezekiel's remarkable visions, dramatic object lessons, and timeless message of judgment and restoration. Subscribe to our podcast and visit reasoningthroughthebible.com for free study materials to help you navigate this prophetic masterpiece.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What happens when your soul begins to leave your body? Terry Wright knows that feeling intimately. Terry founded Lifeline Pregnancy Center, combining her nursing background with her passion for supporting women in crisis pregnancies. The center provides education, material support, and shares the gospel with every client. 

While standing at a copy machine at Lifeline, she suddenly collapsed and was taken to the Emergency Room.  While there, a shocking discovery was made. Her heart was failing. But why?

In this powerful conversation, Terry shares her extraordinary journey from sudden collapse to heart failure that left doctors puzzled. With no prior cardiovascular issues, she found herself declining rapidly until she was hospitalized, waiting for a donor heart while actively dying.

Terry takes us to the edge of mortality itself, describing with remarkable clarity how she felt her soul slowly separating from her weakening body. The medical staff's hushed tones told her family "this is what happens at the end of the end." As she prepared to meet Jesus, Terry's overwhelming regret wasn't about missed vacations or career achievements – it was that she hadn't done more for God's Kingdom.

Then came the miracle. A late-night call announced a perfectly matched heart was available. The emotional whiplash of moving from death's doorstep to a second chance at life led Terry to profound spiritual insights about God's authority and timing. Her meeting with the donor family – who lost their 18-year-old daughter but honored her wish to donate organs – reveals the beautiful redemption possible even in tragedy.

Her powerful testimony illustrates how God's promises become real when we fully surrender to His purposes.

Whether you're facing life-altering challenges or simply questioning your purpose, Terry's journey will inspire you to consider how you're using your own "window of opportunity." What race has God set before you? The clock is ticking for all of us – what will you do with the time you've been given?

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This is Part 5 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

The age-old theological tension between God's sovereignty and human choice takes center stage in this illuminating episode. We dive deep into the most common criticisms of Reformed Theology and examine how its defenders respond to these challenges.

What happens when someone claims that Reformed Theology makes God unrighteous? How do Reformed thinkers answer the charge that their theology renders human responsibility meaningless? We examine these provocative questions through quotes from prominent Reformed theologians like R.C. Sproul and A.A. Hodge, while carefully evaluating both sides of each argument.

At the heart of this theological divide lies a fundamental question: does regeneration precede faith, or does faith precede regeneration? This seemingly technical distinction dramatically shapes how we understand salvation, God's character, and human responsibility. We explore biblical examples like Cornelius, Rahab, and Ruth that challenge simplistic theological formulations on both sides.

The debate isn't merely academic—it touches on our deepest understanding of God's nature. Is God's love conditional or unconditional? Does His sovereignty mean He chooses some for salvation while leaving others without hope? Or does Scripture reveal a God who genuinely desires all people to be saved while respecting their freedom to reject Him?

Whether you're a committed Calvinist, a convinced Arminian, a consistent Biblicist or simply curious about these theological traditions, this episode offers thoughtful, balanced perspectives that will deepen your understanding of these vital spiritual questions. Listen now to sharpen your theological thinking and gain fresh insights into how we can faithfully reason through Scripture.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This is Part 4 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will has challenged theologians for centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions around Reformed Theology (Calvinism), where seemingly contradictory biblical passages paint a complex picture of salvation.

In this deeply engaging exploration, we move beyond theoretical frameworks to examine the actual Scripture passages that form the foundation of Reformed thought. Starting with 1 Corinthians 2:14, which describes the natural person's inability to understand spiritual things, we carefully consider whether context supports applying this to salvation or if it primarily addresses spiritual discernment for believers. The profound statements of Jesus in John 6—"no one can come to me unless the Father draws him"—receive particular attention, including analysis of the Greek term for "drawing" and how it appears elsewhere in Scripture.

We tackle passages that strongly suggest divine election (Acts 13:48, 2 Thessalonians 2:13) alongside numerous Old Testament texts commanding people to "seek the Lord" (Deuteronomy 4:28-29, Isaiah 55:6-7). The dramatic moment when Joshua tells the Israelites "you have chosen for yourselves the Lord" presents a particularly compelling case for human volition in spiritual matters. Throughout this journey, we discover Scripture affirming both God's sovereign choice and meaningful human response.

What emerges is not a simplistic either/or proposition but a beautiful theological understanding that respects both God's sovereignty and the reality of human choice. Rather than forcing Scripture into rigid systematic frameworks, perhaps we're invited to embrace how these truths coexist. For those struggling with questions of election, predestination, and free will, this episode offers balanced biblical examination that honors the full testimony of Scripture.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This is Part 3 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

Does God choose us, or do we choose Him? This age-old theological question lies at the heart of Reformed Theology (Calvinism), and in this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the biblical text to find answers.

Moving beyond theoretical discussions, we examine the actual passages that form the foundation of Reformed thought. Starting with the Greek word "electos" (chosen), we explore what it means when applied to God's actions before the foundation of the world. Does God deliberate in His choices? Can an eternal God who knows all things actually "choose" in the way humans understand choice?

Ephesians 1:3-4 becomes our central text: "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." We carefully analyze what Paul means by being "in Christ" and whether God chooses specific individuals or establishes a mechanism for salvation. The subtle but crucial shift in Ephesians 1:12-13 from divine action ("He blessed, chose, predestined") to human response ("you listened, you believed") provides a fascinating window into the interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility.

Throughout our examination, we maintain a commitment to letting the text speak for itself rather than imposing theological systems onto Scripture. This approach reveals nuances often missed in heated debates between Calvinists and Arminians, suggesting that perhaps both sides capture important truths about salvation.

Whether you're a committed Calvinist, a strong proponent of free will, or simply seeking to understand what the Bible actually teaches, this episode offers fresh insights that will challenge your thinking and deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive work.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This is Part 2 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

The age-old theological tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility takes center stage as we evaluate Reformed theology and Calvinism. Building on our previous overview of Reformed doctrines, we now assess their biblical validity and practical implications for Christian faith.

We tackle several problematic aspects of classical Reformed teaching, particularly the concept that regeneration must precede faith. This foundational Calvinist doctrine creates unnecessary contradictions with Scripture's clear pattern of "believe and be saved" rather than "be saved in order to believe." Biblical examples like Cornelius and Lydia demonstrate that unregenerated people can genuinely seek God before their salvation moment, challenging the Reformed understanding of total depravity.

At the heart of our discussion lies the false dilemma Reformed theology creates between God's work and human response. Scripture consistently distinguishes between faith and works, showing that believing is not a "work" that earns salvation. By recognizing this distinction, we can affirm both God's sovereign election and genuine human responsibility without theological contradiction.

Perhaps most troubling is how some Reformed teaching creates uncertainty about salvation when people wonder if they're among "the elect." This stands in stark contrast to 1 John 5:13, written "so that you may know that you have eternal life." We propose a more balanced approach that honors God's sovereignty through His "infinite persuasion" while maintaining that the gospel invitation remains genuinely open to all.

Though we disagree on certain theological points, we demonstrate that Christians can engage these complex issues with mutual respect and without division on core gospel truths. Join us next time as we examine the specific Bible passages addressing election, predestination, and free will to determine what Scripture actually teaches.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This is Part 1 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.

Step into one of Christianity's most profound and divisive theological debates as we unpack Reformed theology and Calvinism with clarity and nuance. What exactly is "that election/free will thing" that's caused denominations to split, churches to divide, and Christians to engage in heated debates for centuries?

At the heart of this theological exploration lies a crucial question: What does it mean to be "dead in trespasses and sins"? We carefully examine how Reformed theologians like William GT Shedd and Charles Hodge understand this concept, contrasting their view that spiritual death renders humans completely unable to respond to God with the perspective that Scripture describes lost people in multiple ways beyond just being "dead."

Through direct quotes from Reformed confessions and theologians, we provide an authentic presentation of what Reformed theology actually teaches about God's sovereignty, human free will, election, and regeneration. You'll discover how Westminster Confession carefully balances God's decree that "whatsoever comes to pass" happens according to His will while maintaining He is not the author of sin nor does He violate human free choice.

Despite theological differences, we highlight important common ground: God's sovereignty, His right to choose people for specific purposes, human inability to regenerate ourselves, and the eternal security of believers once saved. The real tension emerges around when regeneration occurs—does God regenerate people before they have faith, or does faith precede regeneration?

Whether you're Reformed, Arminian, or somewhere in between, this thoughtful exploration will deepen your understanding of how Christians have wrestled with reconciling God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Join us for this first installment as we lay the groundwork for a more detailed examination in future episodes.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The empty tomb changes everything. When Jesus conquered death through resurrection, He didn't just complete His earthly mission - He transformed human existence itself by proving that death has lost its ultimate power.

In this deeply meaningful exploration of Mark 16, we confront the varied reactions to Jesus' resurrection. The women fled in fear. The disciples refused to believe. Even after multiple eyewitness accounts, many remained skeptical until personally encountering the risen Christ. This pattern of initial disbelief followed by life-altering conviction mirrors how many people respond to resurrection claims today.

But what made the disciples willing to later face torture and execution without recanting? What transformed these frightened followers into bold witnesses ready to die for their testimony? Only the undeniable reality of having seen, touched, and spoken with the resurrected Jesus can explain such extraordinary commitment.

The theological implications stretch far beyond mere historical curiosity. As Paul writes, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile." The resurrection validates Jesus' claims about His identity, demonstrates His power over death, and guarantees the future resurrection of all believers with glorified, imperishable bodies. It's the firstfruits promise that transforms our understanding of both life and death.

This resurrection hope provides profound perspective when facing life's greatest challenges. If Jesus conquered humanity's ultimate enemy - death itself - then what problem in your life could possibly be too great for Him to overcome? The empty tomb reminds us that God's power extends beyond any limitation we might imagine.

Jesus' final commission calls believers to share this good news throughout the world, a mission that continues today. His ascension to sit at God's right hand confirms His royal authority, the completion of His redemptive work, and His promise to return as King.

Have you encountered the risen Christ? Has the reality of resurrection transformed how you view your problems, your future, and your purpose? Join us in discovering the power and hope found only in the One who conquered death.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as the most profound events in human history—the hinge point upon which everything turns. When examining these world-changing moments, we discover both the raw humanity of those who witnessed them and the divine power that transformed their lives forever.

The narrative brings us face-to-face with Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple who kept his faith hidden until the critical moment when courage was required. As a respected member of the Sanhedrin council, Joseph risked everything—reputation, position, and possibly his life—to approach Pilate directly and request Jesus's body. His journey from secret believer to public disciple mirrors the struggle many Christians face today in workplaces and social circles where faith expression carries consequences.

What makes the resurrection account so compelling is the meticulous detail preserved by eyewitnesses. From the Roman centurion who professionally verified Jesus's death to the women who observed exactly where the body was laid, the narrative eliminates any possibility of confusion or substitution. These same women, arriving at dawn with burial spices (clearly not expecting resurrection), discovered the seemingly immovable stone already rolled away—a powerful reminder that God specializes in removing obstacles we consider insurmountable.

The variations between the four Gospel accounts, rather than undermining credibility, actually strengthen it. Real eyewitness testimony from different perspectives rarely aligns perfectly, especially during chaotic, emotional events unfolding over several hours. Most telling is the unanimous agreement that women discovered the empty tomb first—a detail no fabricator in first-century Jewish culture would include given the inadmissibility of female testimony.

Beyond historical validation, the resurrection offers profound hope for our daily struggles. When we face situations that leave us terrified and confused, just as the first witnesses were, we can trust that God's purposes will ultimately become clear. The resurrection isn't just something that happened—it's something that happens, transforming our darkest moments with the assurance that death, despair, and impossibility have been conquered once and for all.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The crucifixion stands as the pivotal moment in human history—the hinge point where everything changed. Join us as we explore Mark's account of Jesus' death, unpacking the profound theological significance beneath the deceptively simple words, "they crucified him."

We begin at Golgotha, examining the possible connections between Christ's crucifixion and Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac centuries earlier. This extraordinary parallel reveals God's consistent character throughout salvation history, providing the ultimate sacrifice Himself rather than merely requiring one from us.

What strikes many is Jesus' deliberate refusal of pain-dulling wine mixed with myrrh. Unlike most crucifixion victims who gladly accepted any relief, Jesus chose to experience the full, unmitigated suffering with complete clarity of mind. This decision reveals the intentional nature of His sacrifice—He came to earth specifically to die, and would do so with full awareness.

Perhaps most mysterious is the supernatural darkness that fell at midday during the crucifixion. This wasn't a natural eclipse (impossible during Passover's full moon) but a divine sign of judgment and mourning as Jesus bore the weight of human sin. When he finally cried out and gave up his spirit—not as one whose life was taken, but as one who sovereignly surrendered it—even the hardened Roman centurion recognized something extraordinary had occurred.

The account ends with a touching detail often overlooked: while the male disciples fled, a group of faithful women stayed to witness everything. These same women would follow Jesus' body to the tomb and return to find it empty—providing crucial eyewitness testimony to both his death and resurrection.

The cross isn't the end of the story, but rather sets the stage for the resurrection. Join us next time as we continue exploring how this darkest moment in history brings us the brightest hope for eternity.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. 

You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve