Should Christians attend or participate in a wedding of unbelievers? Can we maintain a clear conscience when we take part and celebrate with them, even if it is one of our children? Can we rejoice and be happy for the wedding couple in some respect?

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell return to the subject of marriage. Their discussion pertains to attending, participating, and celebrating the wedding and marriage of unbelievers. Biblically speaking, how are we to think about and understand marriage? Does God’s Word indicate that it is only for certain people? Is marriage something to be celebrated no matter who is getting married?

First, Dr. Caldwell tells us the Bible doesn’t indicate that marriage is something real only for Christians. Marriage was designed and instituted by God when He created man and woman; it is something that applies to humanity, not just Christians. Dr. Caldwell provides us with a couple of examples from the New Testament so that we might gain clarity.

Second, Dr. Caldwell asks, how should we think about attending a wedding of unbelievers? He approaches the answer as if it pertains to one of our own children. He reminds us of the importance of practicing evangelism towards them for all of their life; this would be sharing the gospel, being a witness to them, and working for their salvation. As they move towards marriage, this will be no different. However, if our child claims to be a believer and wants to marry an unbeliever, that would be different.

That is a wedding Dr. Caldwell says he could not be part of. But, if we have a son or daughter who is not a believer wanting to marry an unbeliever, we can absolutely be present at their wedding. We can rejoice with and be happy for them, even while a sadness exists in our hearts over the fact that they do not know the Lord. Yet, now we have an opportunity to be a witness not only to our child but to the person they have married as well. Marriage brings its own set of challenges to life that might open the door for gospel opportunities down the road. So, we want to look beyond our sadness and be prepared for those opportunities.

Dr. Philpot asks about a child who decides to live a homosexual lifestyle and then decides they want to marry. How is that different for Christians? Can Christians attend the wedding of same-sex couples? How should we deal with this kind of situation?

Dr. Caldwell says that he could not be a part of that, could not attend, or affirm it in any way; this is something entirely different. The Word of God expressly forbids homosexuality. For a Christian to attend or take part in a wedding of this sort would be to affirm a lie about marriage. It would also be affirming a lifestyle that is sinful, destructive, and unnatural. A union of this kind is a distortion of marriage. The Bible is clear about what marriage is. Genesis 2: it is one man and one woman for life; this is marriage. Legally, and lawfully you can have same-sex marriage, though biblically, there is no such thing.

While our legal system may acknowledge this type of union, God never acknowledges it. Because God doesn’t acknowledge it, neither can nor will Dr. Caldwell acknowledge it as something to be affirmed. He can acknowledge it from a legal standpoint. He won’t tell two homosexuals that got married that they aren’t married according to the laws of our state or country. However, he can say to them in the eyes of God they are not married, that no marriage exists, and that their need is for Christ. This is the truth that has to be delivered to them, and it needs to be done so in the most winsome and loving way that we can. We don’t stop loving them over this. We love them by refusing to participate and refusing to affirm them in what will destroy them.

Marriage is not a civil institution; it is not an arrangement that adults or cultures have constructed for personal happiness in this life. The first marriage took place in the Garden of Eden when God made man and woman. It predates the fall into sin and the coming of Christ, so it is not a ‘Christian only’ institution either. Marriage is an institution created by God and given for all humanity. As long as a couple meets the biblical requirements for marriage, that being one man and one woman, who are not already married, it is appropriate and honors God for them to marry.

With this we can rejoice, because marriage and love are good things from God. And while the Bible doesn’t give us a set of rules or instructions about what wedding we can and cannot attend, it does guide us. It does this through its precepts and the principles we form therefrom. We must turn to the Word of God to gain the wisdom and discernment we need to make our choices. Additionally, there may be times we need to seek godly wisdom and counsel from others to help determine the best course of action.

To learn more about the origin of marriage and the very first wedding, consider listening to sermons that Dr. Caldwell has delivered from the Word of God in his over twenty-year span of pastoral ministry at Founders Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. These sermons will be helpful for all kinds of questions about marriage, family, and many subsequent related issues. They can be accessed from the links below:

Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage 2018 – 14 Sermons

Marriage 101 2016 – 5 Sermons

Biblical Manhood, Womanhood, Marriage & Family 2014 – 20 Sermons

Additional Sermons and Podcasts On Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage

Driven To Paradise

The post Should Christians Attend Weddings of Unbelievers? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

How should we think about someone who has adopted the lifestyle of transgenderism? How should we interact with someone who believes they are not whom God has made them? What is the most loving thing we can do for someone confused about their identity as a male or a female?

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot asks Dr. Richard Caldwell to help us think biblically about people who are transgendered. How can we as believers navigate conversations with family, friends, and co-workers caught up in the confusion of gender identity? What should we do, how should we act, and what should we say? How can we relate to them?

Dr. Caldwell begins by saying that what we do is deal with every person with the knowledge of who they are: a fellow human being made in the image of God. Just because someone is confused, deceived, and enslaved at the moment by sin doesn’t mean that they are any different than we are from the standpoint of humanity. We care about them as a person, recognizing that their soul has equal worth as ours. That is how we think about them, talk to them, and relate to them.

We need to remember that they are a fellow human being, someone made in the image of God, someone who is going to spend eternity in heaven or hell. We want to love these individuals and care about them, but never by compromising our loyalty to God. Therefore, we want to bring that to bear in our relationship with them. The most loving thing we will do them, for any human being, no matter what sin we are talking about, is to tell them God’s truth in an attitude that reflects the God whose truth it is. We want them to know that God cares for them and He is willing to save and change their lives. We want this to come through in every conversation we have with them.

Dr. Caldwell tells us it isn’t loving towards anyone to affirm them in things that will destroy them. It isn’t loving to stand idly by watching as someone runs towards a cliff where they will plummet to their death. We cannot say we love others and not do everything we can to hold them back. We need to do what we can to rescue them from the pit of the fiery flames of hell. That means we cannot participate in the dysphoria and the deception. We cannot refer to them by pronouns or names that do not represent reality. As believers, we have to think about how to handle this most graciously, not looking to be necessarily offensive or just out to make a point. We want to be compassionate, caring, and wise as we go about this. But we cannot and must not act as if something is real when it isn’t. The need is for the gospel, salvation, and transformation.

Dr. Caldwell shares that when we converse with those that are experiencing this dysphoria, we can assure them that whatever they are feeling, no matter how strongly they feel about whatever it is they feel, we believe them because sin is a strong force. Sin impacts our minds, our emotions, and everything else. When it comes to the spiritual aspect, we can feel right-side-up when we are actually upside down. We can tell them we are sure they feel this way, in no way denying they have these feelings. But we must also share that our feelings can’t be trusted. We want them to know that we have a very real enemy, the devil, who seeks to consume and devour us. Their confusion represents spiritual lies and the work of our spiritual enemy. We want them to know that the true and living God has an answer for the way they are feeling. That answer is to be reoriented according to His Word. We can share what the Bible tells us about creation, what it tells us about maleness and femaleness, what it says about sin, and how it affects us. We must share with them how to be saved from sin and how it is overcome through sanctification.

These are the things that can be talked about in conversations with those caught up in the deception of God’s design as we try to help them with the truth of God’s Word. These are the same conversations we must have with all those we love, wanting them to understand that we cannot pretend that their confusion represents reality. We must be loving, compassionate, but straightforward and truthful.

Would you like to hear sermons that will help guide your thoughts and conversations regarding transgenderism, gender identity, and gender expression? Consider listening to the sermons linked below as Dr. Caldwell teaches and exposits the Word of God:

Made In God’s Image

God’s Authority Over Us

Back To The Beginning

Driven To Paradise

Convictions That Fuel Gospel Courage

What The Gospel Reveals

The Need For Grace

Without Excuse

Such Were Some Of You

The post Speaking The Truth in Love To My Transgender Relative appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell discuss questions a listener has regarding divorce in the Bible. The listener writes that it seems as though the Bible has different ways to approach divorce. Dr. Philpot shares that we read about marriage and divorce from Moses, Ezra, Jesus, and Paul. Each one of them seemingly gives a different view on divorce. This is perplexing; these accounts appear conflicting and contradictory. How can we understand them? Is it possible to reconcile these different perspectives? Can we gain a better understanding of marriage and divorce in doing so?

Dr. Caldwell emphasizes that they are only seemingly different perspectives. He shares that some real differences exist in some of these cases, so we need to look at this subject from the whole of Scripture. When we do this, we will find the category where each one fits and the way to explain each of them. Dr. Caldwell does this for us with both Moses and Ezra explaining how these accounts relate to the nation of Israel, a people belonging to God who live under His Law. But, when we come to Paul, there is an acknowledgment that divorce is a reality in a fallen world. As a result of sin, there are all kinds of errors and distortions of God’s original design for marriage; divorce is one of them.

Dr. Caldwell’s position is that the Bible does not forbid all divorce. He does, however, hold to a more restrictive position on the remarriage side of the issue. His stance regarding remarriage comes from how he reads and understands 1 Corinthians 7:10. Dr. Caldwell shares that he has done two extended series on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Additionally, he has also done several other series, sermons, and podcasts that touch on the many aspects of marriage.

He encourages anyone who listens to this podcast to go and listen to all those sermons. These series, along with the additional sermons and podcasts, will provide in-depth answers to the many questions about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. (All of these can be found on the sermonaudio website, the links are provided below.)

Beyond what Dr. Caldwell has already shared, he tells us that the most concise way he can answer the question regarding divorce comes from Matthew 19. He turns there and reads, explaining that Jesus is being asked a question about divorce by the Pharisees based on two schools of rabbinical teaching. These men have come to Jesus to test Him to see where He will align Himself. Dr. Caldwell explains that Jesus doesn’t align Himself with either side of the issue. We need to see and remember what the Lord Jesus does here.

He takes them back to the beginning, to the very first marriage, and points them to God’s design. In verses 3 through 9, Jesus does this twice, reemphasizing God’s design for marriage. That design from the very beginning is for one man, one woman married for life. Like the Pharisees, we also ask questions about divorce. Instead, we ought to be asking more questions about marriage before getting married. And if we are committed and desire to honor God’s design for it, we ought to go on asking after being married.

In Dr. Caldwell’s explanation of this text from Matthew 19, he points us back to his sermon series that includes a detailed exposition of these verses. There, in the sermons on this passage, he argues that the Greek word Jesus uses in verse 9, for sexual immorality, means sexual unfaithfulness. Dr. Caldwell says that unfaithfulness relates to the Jewish betrothal period. What he sees here in the statement Jesus gives, is something distinctive and uniquely Jewish.

An example of how he understands this comes through Mary and Joseph. Mary was found to be with child before she and Joseph married. Joseph being unaware of the divine circumstances, planned to quietly divorce her. The marriage has not been consummated. Joseph and Mary are still in the betrothal stage.

In verse 10, Jesus’ disciples are so shocked at the answer He gives they think it’s better not to get married then. If Dr. Caldwell were to state the commonly held and accepted teaching on divorce and remarriage today, people might agree with him; they might disagree with him. But no one would be shocked. However, if he says once you get married, that the only way you can ever get remarried is by the death of your spouse; that’s going to be shocking in our day and age. Now then, as the disciples saw, marriage is seen in a different light; it is revealed how serious it is to be taken.

To listen to in-depth clear biblical teaching by Dr. Caldwell on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, consider listening to the series, podcasts, and sermons that are linked below:

Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage 2018 – 14 Sermons

Marriage 101 2016 – 5 Sermons

Biblical Manhood, Womanhood, Marriage & Family 2014 – 20 Sermons

Additional Sermons and Podcasts On Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage

The post Did Moses and Jesus Disagree On Divorce and Remarriage? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot approaches Dr. Richard Caldwell with several questions about polygamy in the Bible. Dr. Philpot identifies some key people in the history of the Old Testament who actively participated in the accruing of multiple spouses. That history even includes some of the patriarchs of Israel. This is somewhat confusing. Isn’t polygamy morally wrong and offensive to God? Why would God allow this? Why doesn’t the Bible condemn polygamy outright in both the Old and New Testaments?

Dr. Caldwell says what we ought to see in this is amazing patience on God’s part. We should see God putting up with and tolerating things that do not please Him. God allows men in their times and cultures to exist before Him, in some cases, to live before Him and worship Him in situations that are less than ideal. However, this does not mean that God condones this sin and that He will not judge it. All mankind, since the fall, go about living their lives in ways that God did not prescribe. Romans 3:23 is clear, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and later in Romans, we are told that the wages of sin are death. Therefore, we must distinguish between what the Scriptures prescribe and what they describe.

What is prescribed in the Scriptures is clear. Genesis 2:24 reveals that a man is to leave his family. He is to be joined to his wife and cling to her for all of life. One man and one woman, husband and wife married for life, is what God has designed. What then is put before us in the Scriptures, what is prescribed, is God’s will. God’s will from the beginning is one man with one woman for life. Jesus reiterates this in the gospels, in a discussion he has with the Pharisees about divorce. Elsewhere in the New Testament, there are qualifications set forth for elders and instructions regarding widows that pertain to marriage. Elders are to be the husband of one wife, a one-woman man. Widows are not to be added to a church list for support if they had not been the wife of one man. So, this is God’s will, it’s what is prescribed, and it’s clear.

But also, what we have in the Scriptures is sin. As sin makes its entry into the world in the garden of Eden, we immediately begin to see the distortion of what God intended for marriage. As early as Genesis 4, we find the first example of polygamy revealed in the line of sinful Cain. As things develop from Genesis 4 on, we find whole societies where polygamy has taken root as the culture began to accept and adopt this sin. What we read in these chapters of Genesis and in other parts of the Old Testament is descriptive of what is taking place. Often, the Scriptures describe what men are doing, and what they do is not always what God has prescribed. Yet, while God has not prescribed these things, He deals patiently with people. He never condones the sin, but, in His patience, He doesn’t immediately eliminate these people as a result.

Dr. Caldwell says another thing we find as the Bible describes the practice of polygamy in the Old Testament is disaster time and time again. There are enormous problems associated with polygamy, and the consequences of such sin are disastrous. We read in the Bible of a whole range of effects associated with it, such as bitterness, jealousy, betrayal, rape, murder, and more.

Turning to the New Testament, Dr. Caldwell shares Acts 17:30. Here, the Apostle Paul shares that God, having overlooked the times of ignorance, is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent. Dr. Caldwell explains there was a time God overlooked the ignorance of men, but now there is a new set of expectations. God has given more light, more revelation, more clarity, and there is a new standard.

And what we have consistently throughout the New Testament regarding God’s standard for marriage is one man with one woman for life. This is what we find prescribed all the way back in Genesis 2. The Bible makes clear God intends marriage to be between one man and one woman as it was from the beginning. Therefore, just because the Bible describes polygamy taking place and God allowed it is not the same as saying that God approves of it or is pleased with it. We must read carefully and distinguish between the prescriptive and descriptive texts of Scripture. We need to know what God has prescribed regarding marriage. God’s design for marriage is one man and one woman for life; this is His will and His standard.

Would you like to hear more about what God says about marriage? Grab your Bible and take a walk through the Scriptures with Dr. Caldwell as he exposits the Word of God from Genesis 2 on marriage, as well as several other texts from the New Testament:

Marriage By Design

Marriage or Divorce: Where Is Your Emphasis?

Perversions of God’s Design

The Real War On Women

The Husband of One Wife

An Elder’s Home – Part 1

Worship & The Mortification of Sin

Mockers – Part 2

The post Does The Bible Condone Polygamy? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot talks with Dr. Richard Caldwell about hope in the afterlife. A listener writes sharing that they see evidence for Christian hope of an afterlife in the New Testament. However, they also share that they do not see evidence for it in the Old Testament. So, they ask, is it there? Did believers in the days of the Old Testament have hope for the life that extends beyond the grave? How do we know that there is life after death? Dr. Caldwell seeks to help Believers see the evidence for the afterlife in the Old Testament. He also seeks to encourage us in this hope that the New Testament makes even more clear.

Dr. Caldwell tells us we know there is life after death because the Bible tells us there is. The very One we trust in; the Lord Jesus Christ is He who was raised from the dead and lives forevermore. And, He has promised to return and receive us to Himself, that where He is, we will also be. So, you can’t believe the Bible and not believe in an afterlife because the Bible clearly speaks of it. Yet, it seems somewhat hidden, not overtly obvious or clear in the Old Testament.

Why is this? Dr. Caldwell says that many truths in the Scriptures are this way, they sort of receive increasing light as we move through the Scriptures. This is often referred to as progressive revelation, where more and more information is given as we go along. One example of this is the Trinity. The fullness of light is seen in the Lord Jesus and what follows. The hope of the afterlife is not absent from the Old Testament; it just isn’t overly clear.

Dr. Caldwell takes us to Psalm 16 to give us an example of what he means. Then he turns in his Bible to Acts 2:22-35, first reading the Scriptures and then explaining what is being said, first by David, then by the Apostle Peter as he quotes verses from Psalm 16. As David writes in Psalm 16, he writes of something true in his life, but he also writes about someone greater than himself. Peter makes this clear in the sermon he preaches after Christ’s resurrection.

He tells us that Psalm 16 is about the Messiah. It is about the resurrection of Christ because the body of David is still there in the grave. And what is true about Christ being raised from the grave and alive forevermore is true for Christ’s people. We will all be raised from the grave, including David. The New Testament epistles make it clear there is a great resurrection day in our future.

Dr. Caldwell reminds us that the Apostle Paul writes that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Physical death brings separation of the body and soul. The Believers soul goes immediately to be in the presence of Christ. But our bodies await their transformation until Christ returns. At that time, our souls will be matched with our new bodies, and we will live forever in the presence of God in body and soul. This is the promise of Scripture.

Therefore, the afterlife is revealed in the Old Testament, yet not as clear as the New Testament makes it. But, the Bible is very clear, there is an everlasting life for those who have trusted in Christ. Additionally, the Bible is also clear for those who do not trust in Christ for salvation.

Those who remain unreconciled to God, through Christ, upon His return will be judged and sentenced to everlasting death. Judgment will be executed, and anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. This never-ending death will be lived out in the confines of Hell. Their new body fitted to their soul for living out their eternal existence there.

John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. In Romans 10:9, the Apostle Paul tells us, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. There is salvation in no one else; there is no other name; and no other way for men to be saved. The gift of salvation leads to eternal life, so eternal life is a reality for all those who believe in Christ. But for those who don’t believe in Him, as the Bible states, the wages of sin is death. If they remain in their sins on the last day, there is no hope of eternal life for them, only eternal death. Both eternal life and eternal death are certainties. There is an everlasting existence both for those who are saved and those who are lost. The question for us is, do we believe these truths, and what are we doing with what we believe?

If you would like to learn more about the afterlife, consider listening to the following sermons by Dr. Caldwell:

The Gospel As Preservative

Christ’s Resurrection & The Believer

The Certainty of Resurrection

The Resurrection Body

Instant Immortality

Hopeful Grief

Living In the Light of the Day

The Vengeance and Judgement of God – Pts. 1, 2, & 3

True Riches And True Poverty – Pts. 1 & 2

The Reality of Damnation

The post Why Doesn’t the Old Testament Mention The Afterlife? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Why does Jesus say that it is unpardonable? Can Christians commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot sits down with Dr. Richard Caldwell to talk about a group of verses found in Matthew 12. In this text, Jesus has what appears to be a damning discussion with the religious leaders of Israel. He speaks to them about blaspheming the Holy Spirit and states that anyone who commits this will never have forgiveness. Many Christians are aware of this saying and often find themselves caught up in fear and dread over something that they may have done before or after accepting Christ. This thinking can even escalate to where believers believe they aren’t saved. Dr. Philpot asks Dr. Caldwell to explain this text in Matthew and help us understand what Jesus means by what He says here.

Dr. Caldwell first explains that when we talk about blasphemy, what we are speaking about is something that is insulting to an outrageous degree. As it relates to God, this involves our thoughts and attitudes. It involves words that insult Him, words that are dismissive, and words that mock Him. This passage involves words that are spoken. The Lord Jesus says there is a kind of speech against the Holy Spirit of God that will not be forgiven. It is of such kind that it will not be forgiven either in this age or in the age to come; it is an eternal sin. Dr. Caldwell says that due to the nature of these words in their context, he isn’t certain that this particular sin can be committed.

We have Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, working miracles and performing signs in the power of the Holy Spirit. God, the Father, attesting to His Son, the Messiah, by what He does. Those people had been eyewitnesses of these things. But instead of recognizing the source of Jesus’ power, believing that He was the Messiah, and accepting Him as God’s Son, the religious leaders deliberately chose to deny the truth. They verbally attack Him by slandering Him and attributing what He has done to the power of Satan. Dr. Caldwell says he sees this really as an unrepeatable set of circumstances.

Second, Dr. Caldwell shares with us the circumstances surrounding the salvation of the Apostle Paul. Before being saved, Paul was a Christian persecuting, Christ-hating, religious zealot. He ravaged Christ’s Church, entering house after house, dragging off men and women putting them in prison. Paul, himself shares that he was the chief of sinners, a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent aggressor, doing these things in ignorance before being saved.

So, says Dr. Caldwell, you can get Jesus wrong in one part of your life story yet be forgiven. You can get Him right, come to faith, and be saved before you die. But if you hear the truth and receive such light that you know who Christ is and are unwilling to admit it, you close your eyes and reject it; what more can be given to you? Dr. Caldwell says he thinks this is the danger. If you receive the fullness of the Light of Christ, the fullness of revelation, and then reject Him, there is nowhere else to go; there is no hope for such a soul.

Third, Dr. Caldwell points out that the Lord never gives evidence when someone has committed this sin. Christ gives it as a warning without any attempt to quantify it. Dr. Caldwell shares that there are other similar warnings, post-resurrection and post ascension, in the book of Hebrews. The Word here teaches we can’t receive the truth, be enlightened by it, know what the truth is and go on rejecting it anyway. The warning is clear there is nothing left for the person who does this but judgment. Dr. Caldwell says there is a similarity to that warning found in Matthew 12 but cannot say it is the same sin that Jesus describes. However, if you care about whether you have committed this sin, you haven’t. Because what is envisioned, there, is someone who sees, and then with viciousness and blasphemy, rejects the truth.

Lastly, he reminds us to remember the character of God. God is not cruel; He is good. He is loving, compassionate, and delights in mercy. God desires that no one should perish but for all to come to repentance and salvation. He has revealed Himself to the extent that in Christ Jesus, we had God with man; Immanuel. He came to us in the person of His Son, revealing how we can be saved. So if there is this fear in us, we need to go to the gospel. We need to hear God’s promises, hear His pleadings, and believe.

We need to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, the gospel is a command, but it comes with the promise that everyone who believes in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. Know this then, if you believe, you are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. You can rest your mind, heart, and eternity on the surety of the promises of God. So believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

To hear more about the things discussed in today’s podcast, consider listening to the following sermons as Dr. Caldwell opens up the Word of God and exposits it for us:

The Unforgivable Sin – Part 1 & 2

What Words Reveal

Stubborn Blindness

The Seriousness of Easter

Testimony & Praise

Knowing The Gospel – Part 1 & 2

The Gospel As Preservative

The post Have I Committed The Unforgivable Sin? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

What is a person to do when they have been unable to find sound theology and sound doctrine in any of the churches they visit? It feels like all the churches they visited have only given self-help lectures. They hear very little of the gospel of Jesus Christ and walk away from these churches disappointed. They understand the command to assemble regularly with the Lord’s people as they gather. Yet, at the same time, they do not want to sit under unsound doctrine.

They find themselves anxious about not having a church home and not wanting to be out of the will of God. How can they navigate this? Can Dr. Caldwell offer some advice? This is the discussion that takes place today on the Straight Truth Podcast. Dr. Josh Philpot presents this listener’s dilemma to Dr. Richard Caldwell as they have written sharing their concerns and ask for advice. Dr. Caldwell’s answer assumes the possibility that within one or more of the churches visited that the gospel is actually present.

It would be an easy answer if we always had the choice between a healthy church and a not-so-healthy church wherever we are. But if we find ourselves in a place where there isn’t this option, what are we to do? Dr. Caldwell encourages us to find the best church we can, invest our lives there to the best of our ability and try to make a difference.

He offers advice on how to go to the pastors to exhort, encourage, and share our hunger and desire for a more sound approach to the Word of God and worship. He also tells us that wherever we have an opportunity to exert influence in a respectful way of spiritual authority, we will want to do that. Then what we do is supplement our lives with sermons from sound pastors, read great books, etc., for our own spiritual growth.

Dr. Philpot asks if it is ever okay for someone to decide that this sort of approach isn’t working for them? Since we live in a digital age, can’t someone just live-stream from a solid church each week? Wouldn’t this be a healthy option to consider?

Dr. Caldwell says no, this isn’t what we want to do; online church is not church. The Church is the people of God, it is the assembling of God’s people, and we are to be present when it meets. But, if someone is in a very remote place where there is literally not one healthy church around, then maybe live streaming becomes a temporary option.

But even if this is done, it must be acknowledged that this is not going to church; this is not the church; this is temporary; it is what we are having to do, as we pray about what to do as a solution to the problem. Dr. Caldwell tells us he would argue that if there is no other solution, then we ought to relocate. We need to pick up and move because the Church is vital.

Lastly, Dr. Philpot mentions that Dr. Caldwell had spoken briefly about exhorting and encouraging pastors. He asks him to share some good and helpful ways to do this. Dr. Caldwell does this, offering different scenarios for an individual and for married couples to approach pastors and elders. He shares that any approach should never be underhanded or undercover. We want to be above board in everything we do by going straight to those in authority. We want to deal with them in such a manner that we will have a clear conscience. This way, no one can ever accuse us of sewing discord within the congregation.

To learn about what a healthy church should look like and what the Believer’s responsibility to the Lord’s Church is, consider listening to the following sermons exposited from the Word of God by Dr. Richard Caldwell:

A Believer’s Relationship To The Church

Perseverance And The Local Church

A Healthy Church

The Men Who Lead The Church

The Ministers Of The Word In The Life Of The Church

The 13 Marks Of An Effective Church

The Church That Enjoys God’s Presence

Praying For A Faithful Church

The Behavior Of A Healthy Church

The Church In It’s Right Mind

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This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot sits down with Dr. Richard Caldwell to discuss the war that has now ensued due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As this podcast airs, the war has actively progressed for two weeks. We don’t know how long it will go on. Nor do we know what the outcome will be. However, as Dr. Philpot shares, it does seem that most of the world is against this action taken by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Churches worldwide are watching, looking, and listening to all that is going on. Dr. Philpot asks, how should Christians be thinking about all of this, and what sorts of things can we do?

Dr. Caldwell tells us that he thinks about this from several points of view. First of all, he says, there is a sadness involved as we ponder the tragedy of war. War brings chaos, confusion, pain, suffering, and loss of life as a result. All of this belongs to a fallen world. The world, he reminds us, is sinful due to man’s sin. There is constant conflict and striving against one another for what we want and can’t have. So these sorts of things will characterize the world until Jesus returns.

From the standpoint of the universal Church, says Dr. Caldwell, there are always brothers and sisters in Christ, in that part of the world that are sufferings through these kinds of turmoil. Our natural inclination is probably to think of those in Ukraine first due to being invaded. But, we need to remember that in both Russia and Ukraine, there will be those whose desire is not to be part of this conflict. People in both countries are experiencing difficulties. We want to pray for safety, protection, gospel opportunities and that they will be able to be taken advantage of for the glory of God, in and by the strength that He provides.

Additionally, there are personal relationships involved regarding both countries as well. Members of our churches will have families and friends that still live there. There are missionaries, having come from churches outside these countries, that have chosen to remain. So we want to be praying for them, encouraging them, and helping wherever we can.

Dr. Caldwell says he cannot weigh in on all that is going on politically. But what we do want to see is basic human liberties preserved. We want to see freedom for people to worship and live in the way that God has designed it. So this is what we can pray for, wanting what is best for people according to God’s perfect wisdom.

Lastly, Dr. Caldwell shares his point of view from the church body he pastors. At Founders Baptist Church, and most certainly in others throughout the United States and the world even, there are individuals and families that gather together with us from both Russia and Ukraine. Here, they come together, genuinely loving each other, worshipping together, and living as reconciled people through the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is, says Dr. Caldwell, as Dr. Philpot has pointed out, a wonder of God’s grand design. People who have different, but linked histories and nationalities, are brought together, reconciled through the cross, able to live in joy-filled unity. They will have concerns about what is taking place in those countries and be concerned for the safety of those there in the midst of the dangers. Yet, at the same time, in their hearts, there is a higher concern for gospel advancement and kingdom work.

Russia and Ukraine are countries politically and religiously divided. This divide is ultimately no different than the rest of the world in some sense. As Dr. Caldwell stated, we live in a fallen world, a world filled with sin and destruction due to sinful hearts making sinful choices. And this is the greater divide existing of which so many are unaware. Before a man can be truly at peace with other men, he must first be reconciled to God. Being reconciled to God restores our relationship with Him. When this happens, our relationships with others will be impacted, providing the way for reconciliation. Broken relationships are mended when we replace the sin that divides us with genuine love, forgiveness, humility, and oneness that comes through being united in Christ.

So yes, we can come and share our complaints with God. But we need to come humbly, open, honest, and real. We do this, bringing our troubles, pouring out our hearts to the Lord, with the utmost reverence. Dr. Caldwell shares we have examples of godly people doing this in Job and throughout the Psalms. He shows us through a few examples how God’s people are taken care of forever through trusting Him. In addition to these, he encourages us to think about Lazarus, the beggar, and the rich man. The rich man received good things during his life, but Lazarus something far better at the end of life. Dr. Caldwell then reminds us of what the Scriptures teach us in 2 Corinthians. These difficulties and hardships are but light and momentary afflictions compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. But none of this takes place outside the realm of trust. We must be willing to trust God, who has revealed His character to us in the Scriptures. And His character… is perfectly good!

To learn more consider listening to the following sermons by Dr. Richard Caldwell:

The Precious Truth of Peace

The Joy of Peace With God

Secure in God’s Love

A New Creation Perspective

The Believing Life

Why Forgiven People Must Forgive

Action For the Spiritually Disheartened

Post Conversion Responsibilities

Peace In Turbulent Times

The post How the Church Should React to the War in Ukraine appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Is it ever right to be Are Allah and Yahweh the same God?? Can we even express our anger at God without being sinful? What should Christians do when they find themselves angry at God for the difficult circumstances of their lives?

In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot converses with Dr. Richard Caldwell about anger. The anger he refers to is not just any kind of anger; it’s the anger of a believer being directed at God. Is this right; is it wise? Should a believer be Are Allah and Yahweh the same God?? Anger is dangerous and destructive. The book of Proverbs tells us a man of great anger will bear the penalty. The New Testament calls the believer to put off and put away all anger from their life. If a believer is angry at God about their life circumstances, how can they deal with it? Dr. Philpot asks if a believer can complain to God about these kinds of things, and in doing so, can it be done without being sinful?

Dr. Caldwell thinks that there are questions, as believers, we can ask and attitudes we have that are sinful. Questions and attitudes that are just dishonoring and disrespectful of God. However, in the Psalms, we find the pouring out of frustrations, questions of all kinds, asking about things that we don’t understand, and things that don’t make sense to us. These examples show us that God is not afraid of our questions. Therefore we can go to God with our questions like the Psalmist, but we need to be willing to stick around to hear the answers. Are we willing to hear what He has to say?

Dr. Caldwell says that there is nothing fruitful, godly, helpful, or right about being Are Allah and Yahweh the same God?. Every kind of anger we would have with God is misguided. It is a result of wrong thinking. He reminds us to remember that we live in a fallen world. God allows things to go on in this world that grieves Him and us. But, this doesn’t mean He doesn’t care and that He won’t call people to account for it one day. Until that day comes, there are injustices and mistreatments that we all have to live through and try to manage.

If we are willing to ask why God allows it and what is produced through it, there are answers to be found in the Scriptures. But none of those answers will satisfy us if we aren’t willing to trust Him. Dr. Caldwell tells us that we need to see ourselves through the perfect lens of Scripture. We need to see all of what God has given us over and against what we really deserve. We need to know His character. We need to believe Him, trusting that all He does is good and right. But if we reject God’s answers and persist in our anger, it will not go well for us. (Later, Dr. Caldwell shares the example of Jonah as it relates here.)

So yes, we can come and share our complaints with God. But we need to come humbly, open, honest, and real. We do this, bringing our troubles, pouring out our hearts to the Lord, with the utmost reverence. Dr. Caldwell shares we have examples of godly people doing this in Job and throughout the Psalms. He shows us through a few examples how God’s people are taken care of forever through trusting Him. In addition to these, he encourages us to think about Lazarus, the beggar, and the rich man. The rich man received good things during his life, but Lazarus something far better at the end of life. Dr. Caldwell then reminds us of what the Scriptures teach us in 2 Corinthians. These difficulties and hardships are but light and momentary afflictions compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. But none of this takes place outside the realm of trust. We must be willing to trust God, who has revealed His character to us in the Scriptures. And His character… is perfectly good!

If you would like to gain a better understanding of the triune God of the Bible, consider listening to the following sermons by Dr. Caldwell:

The Trinity – Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4

Romans 10 – The Need for the Gospel

The Need for Grace

Redemption

Abraham, the Father of All Who Believe

One New Man

Life in the Spirit

Beautiful Bloody Religion

The All Sufficient Sacrifice

God Has Spoken In Son

The Glorious Agent of Creation

God’s Glorious Son

The Exact Imprint of His Nature

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Is it ever right to be Legalism and Moralism? Can we even express our anger at God without being sinful? What should Christians do when they find themselves angry at God for the difficult circumstances of their lives?

In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot converses with Dr. Richard Caldwell about anger. The anger he refers to is not just any kind of anger; it’s the anger of a believer being directed at God. Is this right; is it wise? Should a believer be Legalism and Moralism? Anger is dangerous and destructive. The book of Proverbs tells us a man of great anger will bear the penalty. The New Testament calls the believer to put off and put away all anger from their life. If a believer is angry at God about their life circumstances, how can they deal with it? Dr. Philpot asks if a believer can complain to God about these kinds of things, and in doing so, can it be done without being sinful?

Dr. Caldwell thinks that there are questions, as believers, we can ask and attitudes we have that are sinful. Questions and attitudes that are just dishonoring and disrespectful of God. However, in the Psalms, we find the pouring out of frustrations, questions of all kinds, asking about things that we don’t understand, and things that don’t make sense to us. These examples show us that God is not afraid of our questions. Therefore we can go to God with our questions like the Psalmist, but we need to be willing to stick around to hear the answers. Are we willing to hear what He has to say?

Dr. Caldwell says that there is nothing fruitful, godly, helpful, or right about being Legalism and Moralism. Every kind of anger we would have with God is misguided. It is a result of wrong thinking. He reminds us to remember that we live in a fallen world. God allows things to go on in this world that grieves Him and us. But, this doesn’t mean He doesn’t care and that He won’t call people to account for it one day. Until that day comes, there are injustices and mistreatments that we all have to live through and try to manage.

If we are willing to ask why God allows it and what is produced through it, there are answers to be found in the Scriptures. But none of those answers will satisfy us if we aren’t willing to trust Him. Dr. Caldwell tells us that we need to see ourselves through the perfect lens of Scripture. We need to see all of what God has given us over and against what we really deserve. We need to know His character. We need to believe Him, trusting that all He does is good and right. But if we reject God’s answers and persist in our anger, it will not go well for us. (Later, Dr. Caldwell shares the example of Jonah as it relates here.)

So yes, we can come and share our complaints with God. But we need to come humbly, open, honest, and real. We do this, bringing our troubles, pouring out our hearts to the Lord, with the utmost reverence. Dr. Caldwell shares we have examples of godly people doing this in Job and throughout the Psalms. He shows us through a few examples how God’s people are taken care of forever through trusting Him. In addition to these, he encourages us to think about Lazarus, the beggar, and the rich man. The rich man received good things during his life, but Lazarus something far better at the end of life. Dr. Caldwell then reminds us of what the Scriptures teach us in 2 Corinthians. These difficulties and hardships are but light and momentary afflictions compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. But none of this takes place outside the realm of trust. We must be willing to trust God, who has revealed His character to us in the Scriptures. And His character… is perfectly good!

To learn more about the many things discussed in this podcast, consider listening to these sermons below by Dr. Richard Caldwell:

Joy in Our Suffering

Blessed Assurance

Misunderstanding the Goodness of God

Series on the Book of Jonah : Chapters 1-4

The Wonder of a Believer’s Life

The Two Answers for Discouragement

Learning the Trustworthiness of God

Trusting the Trustworthy God

The Reality of Everlasting Damnation

True Riches and True Poverty – Pts. 1 & 2

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