As we begin the season of Advent, Cameron poses a question: Is it quite right to describe this season as a time of “longing,” or would a better way to think of Advent be to to consider it a season of expectation. In this episode, he and Mark distinguish between longing and expectation, discuss the similarities and differences between Advent and Lent, and mix it up over how early in the year listening to Christmas music is permitted.

Mark’s recent sermon on the cursing of a fig tree in Matthew 21 left some unanswered questions about prayer, faith, and how the power of God relates to the plan of God. In this episode, he and Cameron return to the passage to consider an interesting point: when Jesus claimed that with a little faith mountains could be moved, was he simply wrong, or is it that no one has had enough faith (even through the bar is set so low)? Or is there another explanation entirely?

It’s hard to write a great novel these days, and those who manage find that the public isn’t exactly waiting with bated breath. In his recent book The Novel, Who Needs It? critic Joseph Epstein catalogs a list of what he terms “enemies of the novel.” In this episode, Mark tries to convince Cameron that these enemies threaten more than just the novel, though; they menace faithfulness and flourishing in general.

Earlier this week, Cameron made the momentous announcement that he was deactivating his social media accounts — something many of us have thought about, though few carry it out. In this episode, Mark (who hasn’t followed suit) asks about Cameron’s reasoning, and together they discuss whether social media is more a tool to be used wisely or a rigged game.

Tradition may start as a supplement to Scripture, but it has a tendency over time to serve as a replacement. At the same time, since tradition amounts to interpretation passed down through time, its presence is inescapable. In other words, you’re going to have a tradition. The question is, what will you do with it? In this episode, Mark and Cameron will talk about how we can benefit from tradition without lapsing into mere traditionalism.

One of the most fundamental questions when it comes to salvation is: “Who does the work?” Is salvation entirely a divine effort, or are we called upon to contribute — and if so, how much? In this episode, Cameron and Mark unpack the distinction between monergism and synergism, and how it relates to justification, sanctification, grace, and the call to obedience.

In this episode, Mark speaks to Worldview Academy co-founder Jeff Baldwin about work, risk, and the sense of calling. A longtime friend, Jeff takes a unique approach to risk, and as provost of Worldview at the Abbey, he’s counseled many young people at the start of their professional lives on how to pursue excellence and faithfulness in their work. Mark asks about the role of providence and not hedging your bets, as well as the virtue of endurance.

When he was invited to a chapel service at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Mark spoke on 1 John 2.28-3.3. Between the text and some reminiscences about grad school days, he explored the relationship between how God names things and what they are. In this episode, we share that talk, titled “And So We Are.”

Cameron and his wife Jenny are new parents, and in this episode they talk to Mark about the challenges and the rewards of their journey through infertility to adoption. Sometimes hardship opens our eyes to the struggles of people all around us. It also compels us to rely on God when we have no power over our circumstances. If you’ve ever struggled with the unfulfilled longing, or the need to discern a new path forward, you’ll find encouragement in this conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches, by Russell Moore