Is sharing the gospel just for pastors, elders, and missionaries? Or does every single believer have the responsibility to share the gospel also? If the great commission is a command to all believers, how are we to go about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ? How much biblical information and training do we need to be effective gospel witnesses? Are there right and wrong ways for us to evangelize? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Josh Philpott and Pastor Richard Caldwell discuss what it means to truly fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations. They explore the core question that many believers ask: How do you define evangelism? They also discuss how sharing the gospel is a spiritual discipline and what that looks like in a believer’s life.

Pastor Caldwell explains that a simple definition of evangelism is to share the gospel in the way God means for it to be shared. This means proclaiming God’s good news that is Scripturally accurate, with clarity, and humility. Evangelism specifically focuses on the salvation of sinners through the message of the cross, pointing them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. While programs like Evangelism Explosion have good intentions and are helpful to people in knowing where to start, believers must be careful not to adopt a rigid, formulaic approach where people are treated merely as projects for self-gratification. True evangelism requires genuine love and compassion for the lost, knowing that God alone has the power to save.

Pastor Caldwell affirms that every Christian has a responsibility to evangelize and be a faithful gospel witness in their daily life. However, many believers struggle to engage in a gospel conversation because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing or due to feeling inadequate. To overcome the fear of evangelism, Pastor Caldwell reminds us that you do not need to be a trained apologist to be effective. You simply need to know the word of God and be willing to share your own story of how Christ saved you. We are to go forth sharing this good news with the awareness that God is making an appeal through us as ambassadors for Christ. The gospel has power all by itself, and God often uses ordinary vessels to accomplish His will.

The discussion also touches on the proper purpose of the Sunday gathering. Pastor Caldwell points out that the modern church growth movement has often turned the biblical model on its head. The biblical pattern is that the church gathers for corporate worship, edification, and the faithful preaching of the word of God. Then, we disperse to share the gospel with a lost and dying world. We are not meant to gather for evangelism and disperse for discipleship; that is entirely backward to the biblical design.

To help believers be more faithful as they seek to share the gospel, Pastor Caldwell shares four keys for effective evangelism. These are prayerfulness which leads to alertness, Scripture saturation, preaching to yourself the realities that you’re going to meet with in any evangelistic encounter, and a willingness to be an instrument of the Lord. Through Scripture saturation, believers are equipped to bring the truth of Christ into any daily interaction, whether at the workplace or the grocery store. God is pleased to use our insufficiency to point to His own sufficiency, bringing glory to His name and expanding His kingdom.

Ambassadors for Christ

Principles for Evangelism Part 1

Principles for Evangelism Part 2

Remembering the Great Commission

Convictions that Fuel Gospel Courage

The Master’s Plan for the Future

Not Surprised

The Faith Necessary for Faithfulness

A Mindset for Faithful Ministry

The post What Is Biblical Evangelism and How Should Christians Do It appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

How do you know if you are drifting away from God? What are the warning signs of spiritual drift that every believer should watch for? Is it possible to maintain outward religious habits while suffering from spiritual apathy? What does it look like when a Christian is losing their first love for God? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Josh Philpot discuss the subtle and dangerous reality of spiritual drift. They explore how to recognize spiritual drift in your own life and what steps to take when you realize you are not spiritually healthy. If you find yourself wondering, “Am I spiritually unhealthy?”, consider listening to this episode it will help you examine the condition of your soul and point you to the Savior who keeps us.

Dr. Caldwell clarifies that experiencing a struggle with sin or having a difficult day does not necessarily indicate a drift. However, when a believer gives in to indifference toward God and stops fighting for godliness, this is a serious concern. The danger of spiritual drift often manifests as a lack of affection for Christ despite outward obedience. A Christian may continue their routine of church attendance and Bible study yet experience spiritual dryness where the heart is cold. This indifference often leads to other signs of backsliding, such as cynicism, a critical spirit toward leadership, and isolation from church community. Dr. Caldwell warns that when people drift spiritually, they often seek to distance themselves from those who hold them accountable, which often leads to significant life decisions being made in a state of spiritual weakness. This is a form of spiritual deception, where the individual becomes blind to their own condition, unable able to see their need for guidance and wise counsel.

Why does this happen? Does it come due to neglect of spiritual disciplines? Dr. Caldwell argues that the root cause is often a loss of eternal perspective. Referencing 2 Peter 1, he explains that spiritual blindness or nearsightedness occurs when we forget that we are cleansed from our former sins. When we lose sight of the gospel and our future glorification, we become earthbound in our thinking. This lack of Christian spiritual growth is not merely about behavior but about a heart that has forgotten its status as a sojourner and pilgrim. The signs of spiritual decline are symptoms of a deeper issue: we have stopped living in light of eternity. When we forget we are on our way to meet Jesus, the motivation for holiness wanes.

How do we fix this? The answer lies in remembering. Dr. Caldwell points to the church at Ephesus in Revelation, which was commended for its labor but rebuked for abandoning their first love. The remedy for signs of spiritual deadness is to remember the height from which you have fallen and repent. We must preach the gospel to ourselves daily, remembering the joy of our salvation and the hope of heaven. This eschatological focus fuels our prayer life and obedience. By being attentive and recognizing the signs of backsliding early, we can turn back to the Lord with renewed zeal and gratitude.

Effective & Fruitful Christians

Qualities that Yield Effectiveness & Fruitfulness

Losing Our Way at the Point of Love

Ephesus – Leaving Your First Love Pt. 1

Ephesus – Leaving Your First Love Pt. 2

Abraham’s Family of Faith

The Pilgrim’s Progress in Personal Holiness

The post Warning Signs That You Are Spiritually Unhealthy appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

A biblical response to the Canada school shooting tragedy is necessary as believers and unbelievers alike seek to understand the violence and evil we see in the world. What lies at the root of such horrific events? Often, the talk around such tragedies focuses on gun violence, the home life, and possible mental health issues of the perpetrator, but neglects to consider the spiritual aspects or the spiritual roots of such. Is there a link between the transgender movement and violent actions? How should Christians respond to news of the transgender shooter in Canada? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Dr. Josh Philpot discuss the recent tragedy in British Columbia, Canada, where a young man who identified as a female killed his mother, stepbrother, and others at a school. Several media reports have obscured the truth by referring to the shooter as a woman and calling the young man “her”, but Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpot examine this way of thinking and speaking through the lens of Scripture. They discuss how a culture that embraces gender ideology and rejects God’s design is embracing what the Bible calls earthly, natural, demonic wisdom.

In James 3, the Bible distinguishes between wisdom from above and wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic. Dr. Caldwell explains that this false wisdom characterizes all of humanity outside of Christ. It is not limited to one specific group but is the state of the natural man. However, when a society collectively encourages a delusion, such as the transgender movement, it leads to disorder and every evil thing. The recent violence in British Columbia is a tragic example of this disorder. The hosts point out that as culture encourages this transgender delusion, we are seeing more instances where this confusion leads to extreme violent acts. It is a harsh reality that when truth is rejected, chaos and evil follow.

Is gender confusion demonic? Dr. Caldwell notes that while there may be psychological elements involved, one cannot divorce these struggles from spiritual realities. The transgender movement is fundamentally an anti-God, anti-Gospel, and anti-truth movement. It demands that a person reject their God-given identity to embrace a false one. This is a form of self-destruction that can lead to despair, suicide, and as seen in this tragedy, murder. The only true solution for gender dysphoria and the confusion that plagues so many young people is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The world offers affirmation of sin, but the Bible offers deliverance from sin.

How then should Christians respond? We must hate the sin and the evil that destroys lives, but we must also have compassion for the sinner. Dr. Caldwell reminds us that the shooter in Canada, like every person outside of Christ, is enslaved to sin and belongs to the domain of darkness. The Christian perspective on shootings and violence must always come back to the need for redemption. We were all once in darkness until Christ set us free. Therefore, our response is to share the Gospel hope for sinners with a confused and dying world. We do not affirm the delusion, but we offer the truth in love. The Straight Truth Podcast seeks to bring this biblical clarity to the difficult issues of our day, reminding us that God is sovereign and His Word is the only foundation for life and truth.

Two Kinds of Wisdom – Part 1

Two Kinds of Wisdom – Part 2

No Power Too Strong

The Need for Grace

Without Excuse

God’s Abandoning Judgment

What the Gospel Reveals

The Marks of True Wisdom – Part 1

The Marks of True Wisdom – Part 2

The Marks of True Wisdom – Part 3

The post Recent School Shootings: Does Transgender Ideology Lead to Violence? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Is it ever right for a Christian to stop hanging out with another Christian? What if that person is a close friend or even a family member? Does the Bible actually command us to have nothing to do with certain people? How does this apply to family gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas? Should we distance, disfellowship, and completely separate ourselves from those who are unrepentant in sin? And, if we do this, how do we then go about restoring a fallen brother or sister? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot asks Dr. Richard Caldwell these difficult questions regarding biblical relationships and boundaries. They discuss several passages in the New Testament where the Apostles command the church to withdraw from those who are walking in unrepentant sin. Join us and listen in to hear how the Bible directs us to navigate challenging relationship issues with discernment and wisdom.

Dr. Caldwell explains that while these commands can feel harsh to our modern ears, they are grounded in love and the holiness of God. When the Bible speaks of dealing with sin in the church, it is often describing a form of church discipline. Referencing 2 Thessalonians 3 and 1 Corinthians 5, Dr. Caldwell notes that Paul writes not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person. Dr. Caldwell clarifies that this does not mean we separate from the world. We are called to be lights in the world and to evangelize the lost. However, this command applies to professing believers who are living in open, unrepentant rebellion against God. As a body of believers, we are called to judge those within, with discernment and wisdom. We cannot continue to have Christian fellowship with them as if nothing is wrong. To do so would be to validate their sin and deceive them about their spiritual state. This is what it means to practice biblical wisdom and tough love in the church. But if church discipline becomes necessary, the goal is not to condemn and punish, the goal is to restore.

But how does this work practically? What about separating from friends we have known for decades? Dr. Philpot asks if we can still have lunch with a friend who is under discipline or has maybe left the church because of a disagreement over a sin issue. Dr. Caldwell responds, saying that the nature of the relationship, by necessity must change if we care about their soul. You cannot have casual fellowship, talking about sports or the weather, while ignoring the elephant in the room. If you love them, you must love them enough to tell them the truth. The interaction should be focused on calling them to repentance. If they refuse to listen, they are to be treated as an unbeliever, becoming an evangelism project rather than a partner in fellowship.

The conversation then turns to the sensitive topic of family boundaries. Dr. Caldwell addresses whether we should invite family members living in sinful lifestyles, such as homosexuality or cohabitation, to family and holiday gatherings. He argues that we must not compromise our testimony or the atmosphere of our home, especially when children are present. We cannot affirm their sin by pretending their relationship is valid. While we should not cut off all contact with estranged family members, and we should seek to share the gospel, there are times when we must draw a line. This helps us in avoiding toxic people, even those family members who might influence our households negatively.

Dr. Caldwell also touches on how to handle church conflict involving those who leave the church in anger or slander the leadership. He warns against validating the divisiveness of disgruntled members. Furthermore, the discussion moves to 2 Timothy 3 and the warning to avoid spiritual predators. These are people who have the appearance of godliness but deny its power, often preying on the vulnerable. Dr. Caldwell reminds us that false teachers and those who oppose the truth are to be avoided entirely.

In all these scenarios, the goal is not to be mean-spirited but to honor Christ. We cannot act like spiritual issues are nothing. We must be willing to engage in judging those within the church as the Bible commands, not to condemn, but to restore. True love seeks to restore a fallen brother or sister, but it never compromises the truth to maintain a relationship. When we refuse to not associate with immoral brother or sister, we risk the purity of the church and the soul of the individual.

An Orderly Church

The Purity of the Church

Lovers of What?

The Discipline of the Church – Pt 1

The Discipline of the Church – Pt 2

The Correction of God’s Children – Pt.1

The Correction of God’s Children – Pt 2

The Correction of God’s Children – Pt 3

The post Is It Loving to Separate From a Sinning Christian? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Why does the local church need to take the lead in training men for ministry? Is a standard online seminary degree a sufficient qualification to shepherd God’s people? What is missing from the modern academic approach to theological education? Can a man truly be tested for a call to ministry in a classroom alone? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot is joined by Dr. Richard Caldwell and special guest Jonathon Anderson to discuss a major new initiative at Founders Baptist Church. On the episode today, they introduce listeners to The Pastors Seminary, a church-based seminary designed to train men for future ministry within the context of a local body of believers. If you are a potential seminary student or are simply interested in how the local church should reclaim the task of training leaders, this episode provides a compelling vision for the future.

Dr. Caldwell explains that the primary driving force behind this decision is the desire to train the men God has already placed within their own congregation. The goal is to combine a program that is academically formidable with pastoral wisdom, character formation, and life-on-life discipleship. Dr. Philpot mentions that Dr. Caldwell has been at Founders Baptist Church for about 27 years. So why is the church doing this at this time, why now? Dr. Caldwell shares that it has been a long-time desire, but it’s at this current time that the Lord has uniquely equipped Founders Baptist with staff that has the necessary academic credentials, including men with PhDs like Dr. Philpot and Jon Anderson, alongside Dr. Caldwell’s 42 years of pastoral ministry experience and other seasoned pastors. This combination allows for a training environment that offers both deep theology and practical shepherding insight, elements that you can’t really get by way of an isolated brick-and-mortar type training. Local church ministry where one is involved, serves, and is intimately known, is often missing at standard bible college, large seminaries, and with online seminaries, and this is really key to the model of The Pastor’s Seminary.
The group discusses the limitations of traditional and online seminary models. Dr. Caldwell points out two major cultural issues affecting seminary education today: individualism and anonymity. In many standard educational settings, a student can pass tests and gain intellectual knowledge without ever having their character evaluated or their internal call to ministry tested by others. An online seminary often exacerbates this by isolating the student from the very people they are meant to serve. In contrast, The Pastors Seminary ensures that a student is known, observed, and shepherded by qualified elders who can affirm their gifts.

Jon Anderson, who serves as the Academic Dean, outlines the Master of Divinity program. It is a robust 86-credit-hour degree with a heavy emphasis on Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew) and expository preaching. However, unlike some programs that try to simulate ministry in a classroom, this MDiv trims the artificial practical elements and replaces them with actual service in the church. The belief is that you learn pastoral ministry from pastors, not just professors. Drawing on historical examples like John Wycliffe and John Calvin, the discussion highlights how great movements of God are often tied to faithful pulpits rather than disconnected academic institutions. Jon explains that there is a stewardship of the pulpit at Founders Baptist that is critical, and it is a major strength for The Pastors Seminary.

Dr. Caldwell helps to provide a clear understanding of why academic rigor must never be separated or divorced from the love of God’s people. He explains that what a student will get at The Pastors Seminary is that great, rare mixture of academic rigor, but never separated from, never divorced from love for the Lord’s church and, the humility that recognizes that we’re nothing but shepherds. We desire to help men navigate the questions of calling and giftedness, then add in the training elements necessary to maximize their giftedness for the glory of God and for the good of God’s people. The aim, Dr. Caldwell shares, is to produce men who are not only theologians but shepherds who love the Lord’s church.

Selecting & Training Men for Ministry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2N4FPuqBnY
A Noble Work (1 Timothy 3:1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhKm9mjFGAY
The Qualifications For Overseers – Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV3xR6I5G4k
The Ministers of the Word in the Life of the Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAkaIU-YLz8
Loving Leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSQEDpXy24s

The post Introducing The Pastors Seminary appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Dr. Josh Philpott tackle a practical and often confusing aspect of the Christian life: Is it okay to take action while waiting on the Lord? They revisit the biblical command to “wait for the Lord,” found in passages such as Psalm 27:14 and Psalm 31:24, which encourage believers to be strong and let their hearts take courage. Yet, many Christians struggle to understand what this looks like in practice. Does waiting mean we become passive observers of our own lives, paralyzed until we receive a supernatural sign? Or does biblical waiting involve taking initiative, making big decisions, and exercising human responsibility while trusting in God’s sovereignty?

Dr. Caldwell answers these questions, defining waiting not as a passive state but as a dynamic “faith exercise” where the believer is actively engaged in trusting and obeying God. He explains that waiting on God is never an excuse for laziness or spiritual inactivity. Instead, it involves preaching truth to our own hearts about God’s character—reminding ourselves that He is sovereign, loving, and always at work for our good, even when we cannot see the immediate results. Using Psalm 37 as a guide, the discussion highlights the command to “rest in the Lord” and “do not fret” over the schemes of wicked men. True biblical waiting means we continue doing what is right and walking in obedience, fully convinced that those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land. This is active waiting, where the believer fights the battle of faith by clinging to the promises of Scripture while navigating the difficulties of life.

The conversation then moves to the complex area of Christian decision-making. How do we wait on the Lord when we have to choose whether to buy a home, change careers, or propose marriage? Dr. Caldwell points out that the Bible does not always give us a specific verse for every judgment call that we will face. In these moments, we must rely on biblical wisdom and the general principles of Scripture. If a believer is delighting themself in the Lord and their life is submitted to His Word, they can trust the desires God has placed in their hearts. Dr. Caldwell references Philippians 2:12-13 to show that God works in us “both to will and to work for His good pleasure,” meaning He aligns our desires with His will as we seek Him. Therefore, taking action toward a godly desire—such as marriage—is not a lack of faith, but a demonstration of trusting God with your future.

Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpott also discuss specific scenarios in which the tension between human responsibility and God’s sovereignty can cause us to feel paralyzed. When faced with the need to make decisions, we often question ourselves about human responsibility vs. God’s sovereignty. For instance, if a man is unemployed, should he wait for the “perfect” job or take action to provide for his family immediately? Dr. Caldwell asserts that a man cannot claim to be waiting on the Lord while violating the biblical command to care for his household. In this case, waiting on the Lord might look like taking a difficult, less desirable job to fulfill his God-given responsibilities. This illustrates that taking action while waiting on God is often the very definition of obedience.

The episode concludes with a look at justice and forgiveness, encouraging believers to release personal offenses to God, who is the ultimate judge. By doing so, we prove that we are trusting God’s timing and His perfect justice. To navigate these situations with biblical wisdom, Christians must be saturated in the Word of God, ready to apply truth to every season of waiting.

Living In Light of the Incarnation – Pt.1

Living In Light of the Incarnation – Pt. 2

Living In Light of the Incarnation – Pt. 3

Living In Light of the Incarnation – Pt. 4

What To Do When We Are Waiting

Abraham’s Family of Faith

A Word to the Weary

The post Is It Okay to Take Action While Waiting on the Lord? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Is God angry with me? Should Christians fear God in a way that causes them to tremble with terror? What does it mean to fear God if we are also told that God is love? Does the Bible contradict itself when it speaks of the terror of the Lord and yet commands us to have confidence in the day of judgment? Many believers struggle with these questions, wondering, “Am I really saved if I still feel afraid of God’s wrath?” This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell discuss the complex and often misunderstood biblical theme of the fear of the Lord. They explore the distinctions between the terror of God’s judgment, the reverence due to His name, and the freedom from the fear of man that comes from rightly fearing God.

Dr. Caldwell begins by examining the fear that God is due simply because of who He is. Looking at Psalm 90, the discussion centers on God’s power, anger, and holiness. The Psalmist asks, “Who understands the power of Your anger?” The reality is that no human being fully comprehends the magnitude of God’s holiness or the severity of His wrath against sin. In this sense, a fear of God is absolutely appropriate. To meet with the omnipotent Creator in judgment without a mediator is a terrifying prospect, and the fear of punishment is a natural response to the knowledge of one’s own sinfulness against a holy God. This biblical fear acknowledges that God is the ultimate judge and that His fury against iniquity is real and consuming. However, Dr. Caldwell clarifies that while this knowledge of God’s holiness is essential, the believer’s relationship to that wrath changes completely through Jesus Christ.

This leads to the question: Should Christians be terrified of God? Dr. Caldwell points us to 1 John 4:18, which states that perfect love casts out fear. This passage is not suggesting that we lose our reverence for God, but rather that the cowering, tormenting fear of punishment is removed for those who are in Christ. What does it mean to fear God as a Christian? It means we possess a deep, abiding respect and awe for our Father, similar to the respect a son has for a loving but firm father, but we no longer live in dread of the Great White Throne judgment. We have assurance of salvation because our sins were judged at the cross. Therefore, the judgment day for Christians is not a day of condemnation but a day of evaluation at the judgment seat of Christ for rewards. As believers mature in their faith, they grow in their understanding of God’s perfect love. They realize that they are accepted in the Beloved, and this knowledge drives out the anxiety of wondering, “Is God angry with me?”

However, the Scriptures also contain severe warnings. Dr. Philpot brings up the Hebrews 10 warning, which speaks of a fearful expectation of judgment for those who go on sinning deliberately. How do we reconcile assurance with these terrifying passages? Dr. Caldwell explains that these warnings are God’s means of keeping His true children on the narrow path. A genuine believer hears the warnings of Scripture and heeds them. The fear of the Lord meaning in this context is a healthy caution that keeps us from apostasy. If someone claims to be a Christian but tramples the Son of God underfoot by living in unrepentant sin, they have every reason to fear. But for the true sheep who hear the Shepherd’s voice, these warnings serve to drive them back to Christ, deepening their dependence on His grace.

Finally, the episode addresses the practical conflict of fear of God vs fear of man. Dr. Caldwell argues that when we rightly fear God, we are liberated from the crippling need to please people. If we are secure in the love of the Sovereign God, who can truly harm us? The fear of man lays a snare, but trusting in the Lord brings safety. When our singular ambition is to please the One who saved us, life becomes wonderfully simple. We do not have to navigate the complex and changing opinions of the world; we simply obey God’s Word.

Throughout this fear of God sermon, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpot provide a balanced, scriptural perspective that avoids the extremes of irreverence and paralyzing terror. They show us that God’s holiness is infinite and His warnings are serious, yet for the believer, His love is a fortress. By understanding these truths, Christians can walk in wisdom, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and that in Christ, we have nothing to fear from God’s wrath.

The Fear of God: https://youtu.be/_0pl1VvVsrw

Free From The Fear of Men: https://youtu.be/m4rd-BQ3cjw

The Messenger, Message, and Motive of the Book of Galatians: https://youtu.be/8P7GZI_wK-E

The post Should Christians Be Terrified of God? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Is the seeming constant unrest in our world real, or is it just our awareness of it? Why does it feel like we are constantly filled with drama when we look at the news or social media? How do we balance what we see going on in the culture and world around us with how we are meant to participate and live in it? Is it possible to have peace and rest in a world full of unrest? Can Christians be engaged in society without being characterized by irrational extreme behaviors that are fueled by fleshly desires, and anger? How do we deal with all these things without succumbing to fear, anxiety, and discouragement?

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell discuss dealing with anxiety about politics and the news. Dr. Philpot observes that whether looking at local events in Texas, unrest in Minnesota, or conflicts in Iran, the world seems filled with chaos. He asks how this aligns with the instructions in the New Testament for Christians for a quiet life, specifically 1 Thessalonians 4, which urges believers to aspire to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands.

Dr. Caldwell begins by addressing whether the unrest is greater today or if our awareness is simply heightened due to technological advancement. He notes that we are all operating with a false sense of omniscience because of instant camera footage beamed all over the world. However, he also identifies a growing sense of chaos in our culture due to a broader embracing of the doctrine of individualism and narcissism. When everyone is their own god and there is no objective standard, it leads to chaos.

Dr. Caldwell argues that finding rest in a world of unrest requires us to look to the Scriptures. He points to the 1 Thessalonians 4 quiet life passage as a reminder that we have a life to live for which we will give an account to God. A part of that life is staying in our lane and being devoted to the responsibilities God has assigned to us. This means we must put blinders on at times to focus on what God has called us to be and do, regardless of the noise around us. However, Dr. Caldwell clarifies that this does not mean we are to live a monkish existence or remove ourselves from the world. We are to be responsible citizens, engaging the world as salt and light, but not in a way that silos us from reality. The question is how to find real peace in a chaotic world while remaining responsible.

The conversation turns to John 16:33, where Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation, but to take courage because He has overcome the world. Dr. Caldwell explains that we find our peace in Christ—specifically in His words, His example, and His victory. Jesus warned His disciples in advance so that they would find peace in Him. Similarly, believers today must rely on the unshakable reality that God is sovereign over nations and that the victory has already been won. Dr. Caldwell exhorts listeners not to address the chaos in a way that is fleshly. Even when we agree with a conservative political stance, we must not engage in the culture war like someone who does not know Jesus. If we fight political battles without understanding that the real problem is sin and the real answer is salvation, we miss the boat. The greatest force we can serve is the gospel cause.

Dr. Philpot asks if Christians should ignore politics or the culture war, noting that Western justice systems were influenced by faithful Christians. Dr. Caldwell responds by defining responsible rest versus irresponsible rest. Irresponsible rest just checks out and ignores the world. Responsible rest engages as a Christian citizen, caring about laws and leadership because they affect our neighbors, children, and the church. We should care about these temporal things, but we must never lose our eternal perspective vs. temporal realities. Dr. Caldwell shares that while he prays for law enforcement and does address civil unrest, as he did regarding the situation in Minneapolis, the primary focus of the church must remain on eternity. He emphasizes that we are speeding toward eternity faster than we know. If we become earthbound in our perspectives, we are not equipped to deal with temporal realities in a way that honors God.

Ultimately, overcoming fear of the future and dealing with anxiety about politics requires trusting that God is sovereign. Nations come and go, but God’s salvation plan marches on. Dr. Caldwell reminds us that peace in tribulation is found in the realm of the soul. We will have trouble in this world, whether through health issues, loss, or in cultural hostility, but we find our rest in Christ. By tuning our hearts to His words and His victory, we can live without fear, knowing that the present evil age is defeated and that we are waiting for an everlasting day.

Holiness & Love – Part 1

Holiness & Love – Part 2

Confused Disciples – Part 1

Confused Disciples – Part 2

Growing in Love

God’s Love in a World of Unbelievers

The Answer for Anxiety

One Ambition – To Please Christ

The post Finding Peace When the World Feels Out of Control appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What should be the primary focus for a believer as they look ahead to 2026? Is there a biblical way to approach the turning of the calendar? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Josh Philpot sit down to discuss these questions on this first episode of the new year. While the world is busy setting weight loss goals or making financial plans, Christians too, think about fresh starts, which often include establishing new spiritual disciplines. But how do we go about making plans and setting goals without being arrogant or presumptuous? How can we find balance and stability when the future is so uncertain? How can we live today while planning and purposing, yet keeping our eternity in view?

Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpot discuss these new year goals for Christians and whether traditional resolutions are helpful or if there might be a better way to approach a fresh start. Dr. Caldwell explains that while he is not personally driven by resolutions, the concept of a fresh start is biblical and helpful. However, he challenges us to think deeper than just self-improvement. He points listeners to the one ambition that should drive every believer: the knowledge of God. Referencing Philippians 3, he explains that our greatest pursuit is conformity to Christ. For Christians this isn’t just a yearly goal but ought to reflect an ongoing daily pursuit of spiritual maturity. The desire to be Christ-like should be the greatest expenditure of our effort.

The conversation moves to a discussion regarding James 4 and how we view planning, our resources, and time. The world speaks of planning to go here and there, and doing this or that, even making money and living great lives, but Scripture warns us not to boast about tomorrow because our lives are like a vapor. Dr. Caldwell explains that biblical new year resolutions must always be framed by the understanding that if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. We cannot presume on the future. To plan without God in view is arrogant and evil. Instead, we are called to hold this life loosely. We must go about our business, making plans, and raising our families while living with eternity in view. A James 4 bible study will help to guide us in this perspective enabling us to shift how we operate in every sphere of life.

Dr. Philpot and Dr. Caldwell also discuss the theme of an upcoming yearly conference, held at Founders Baptist Church – The Truth and Love Conference, which focuses on the Pilgrim’s Progress and living with an eternal perspective. Dr. Caldwell shares a helpful framework he learned regarding the stages and ages of life: learning, leveraging, and leaving. From 20 to 40, we are learning; from 40 to 60, we are leveraging what we’ve learned; and from 60 onward, we should be focused on leaving a Christian legacy. Whether you are young or old, Christians are called to invest in the next generation. This investment includes parenting advice and how to leave spiritual deposits in your children. The greatest inheritance you can leave is not financial but relational and spiritual.

But what about when plans fail? How do we handle the curveballs of life, like a pandemic, job loss, or tragedy? Dr. Caldwell argues that preparing for the unexpected happens in the mundane. It is found in finding purpose in the mundane moments of daily obedience. If we are faithful in the small things, walking on the path of truth every day, we will have the stability to handle the big crises. This involves trusting God in uncertain times by being consistent in the known times. There is nothing truly mundane in the Christian life because every interaction and every moment is an opportunity to worship. This helps us fight spiritual boredom and discontentment.

Finally, they discuss the absolute necessity of having Christian daily habits, specifically daily bible reading, spending time with the Lord and His Word. Referencing Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 9, they emphasize that our delight must be in the law of the Lord. However, we cannot meditate, nor delight in or on what we do not know. Therefore, we must be diligent to read, study, and memorize the Word. This is the fuel we need for spiritual growth (in) 2026. Dr. Caldwell encourages us to be so saturated with Scripture that if we were cut, we would bleed Bible. It is the Word of God that acts as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we enter this new year, let us not boast in our wisdom or strength, but let us boast that we know the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. knowing God is the ultimate goal for this year and every year to come.

One Ambition – To Please Christ

Running to Win

If the Lord Wills

Discernment for the Ages

The Truly Blessed Person

The post A Fresh Start for the New Year | Pursuing the Knowledge of God appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Is empathy always a virtue? What does the Bible say about how we should relate to the feelings of others? Is there such a thing as toxic empathy? Can empathy actually be a sin? How should Christians navigate the cultural pressure to affirm the feelings of others when those feelings contradict the truth of Scripture? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Dr. Josh Philpot discuss these challenging questions as they explore the biblical definition of compassion and the modern distortion of empathy. Join us for this important conversation on how to maintain a heart of compassion without compromising the truth of God.

There is a growing trend in our culture, and even within the church, to elevate empathy above all other virtues. This view suggests that to truly love someone, you must fully identify with their feelings and affirm their perspective, even if that perspective is sinful or destructive. But is this what the Bible calls us to? Dr. Philpot brings up the concept of untethered empathy or what some, like author Joe Rigney, have called the sin of empathy. This is a form of relating to others where a person’s feelings become the ultimate moral standard. In this framework, to disagree with someone’s feelings or self-perception is seen as hateful. A prime example of this struggle is the current gender identity craze. The world tells us that if we do not use a person’s preferred pronouns or affirm their confusion, we lack empathy. However, Dr. Caldwell argues that this approach divorces feelings and emotions from objective truth.

Dr. Caldwell explains that true Christian empathy must never be separated from the truth of Scripture. We are called to be tender hearted and to bear one another’s burdens, but we are also called to be truthful. Speaking the truth in love means that we care enough about a person to tell them what God says, even if it hurts their feelings in the moment. To affirm someone in their sin is not love. It is actually a form of hatred because it encourages them on a path that leads to destruction. Dr. Caldwell uses the illustration of a person about to driving off a cliff. It is not loving to tell them they are driving nicely; what’s loving is to warn them of the danger, even if they get offended.

The discussion also clarifies the difference regarding empathy vs. sympathy. Sympathy and compassion involve caring for someone and suffering with them without losing your footing in the truth. It is like throwing a life preserver to a drowning man rather than jumping in and drowning with him. Dr. Caldwell points to the example of Jesus and the woman at the well. Jesus was kind and engaged with her, yet He did not shy away from addressing her sin, as he spoke with her. He forced her to face the truth, bring her face to face with her sinfulness, even as He graciously, mercifully brings her to the knowledge of Himself. This is godly empathy.

Furthermore, the podcast examines the dangers of letting our desire to be liked or our fear of man drive our interactions. Often, what we call empathy is actually self-love and a desire for self-exaltation. We want to be perceived as nice and inclusive. But as Dr. Caldwell points out from the book of Jude, we are to have mercy on some with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. We must rescue people from the fire, not join them in it. We must define empathy biblically. If we untether our compassion from the Word of God, we compromise our witness and endanger the souls of those we are trying to reach.

Ultimately, Dr. Caldwell exhorts us to be faithful to God above all else. We cannot harmonize the world’s demand for affirmation with the Bible’s command to repent and believe. True love warns. True love corrects. True love speaks the truth.

Gifts for Maturity & Unity

The Qualities of Love – Part 1

The Qualities of Love – Part 2

Love’s Rejoicing

Proving Our Profession: Love

If They Only Know

Teaching a Sinner

True Worship

Great Forgiveness & Great Love – Pt.1

Great Forgiveness & Great Love – Pt. 2

Applying the Gospel

Why Forgiven People Must Forgive

The Believer’s Response to Apostasy

The post Can Empathy Actually Be a Sin? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.