The UtG Podcast

What did the Lord Jesus mean when He said, “I will build my church”? What is the Church, who belongs to it, and who has been given authority to lead it?

Roman Catholicism understands the Church as a visible, divinely established institution, governed through bishops in apostolic succession, with the Pope regarded as the successor of Peter and the visible head of the Church on earth. Eastern Orthodoxy also places great importance on apostolic succession and the historic episcopate, but rejects the authority of a single universal Pope, emphasising instead the collective authority of bishops, synods and councils.

But does the New Testament present the Church in this way? Is apostolic succession an unbroken succession of office, or is true apostolic continuity found in faithfulness to the teaching of the apostles? And what pattern of leadership did Christ establish for local churches?

In Episode 4, Alasdair MacPherson and Ian Jackson consider the nature and leadership of the Church, the claims of the papacy, bishops and apostolic succession, and return to the fundamental question, who is the Head of the Church, and how is His authority expressed among His people?

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Welcome to UtG Voices – we’re back after our summer break to pick up the conversation with different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content.

In this episode, we begin by speaking to Paul McCauley who will be discussing his new series titled “Defending the Indefensible” . A thought-provoking look at the biblical teaching on Hell and eternal conscious punishment. In part 2, Tom Bennett will be speaking about his role as part of the core team at UtG & giving us an overview of some recent content.

Join us, as we get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content, shaping UtG.

Check out:
https://understandingthegospel.org/series/defending-the-indefensible/
https://understandingthegospel.org/series/early-christian-creeds/
https://understandingthegospel.org/by-women-for-women/jesus-loves-me/
https://understandingthegospel.org/gospel-journey

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Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been practised by Christians since the earliest days of the Church. But what actually happens when we participate in them?

Roman Catholicism teaches that the sacraments are means through which grace is communicated, with baptism bringing regeneration and the Eucharist becoming the true body and blood of Christ. Eastern Orthodoxy likewise understands the sacraments, or Mysteries, as real participation in divine grace and life.

But is this how the New Testament presents baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Are the bread and cup means by which grace is imparted, or do they point us back to the once for all, finished work of Christ? Does baptism itself bring new life, or is it the testimony of someone who has already received that life through faith in Christ?

In Episode 3, Alasdair MacPherson and Ian Jackson examine the sacraments, baptism, the Eucharist and the Mass, and ask a fundamental question, how does God communicate His grace to His people, and what place should physical elements have in Christian worship?

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How can a sinful person be made right with a holy God? Few questions could be more important, and the answer takes us to the very heart of the Christian gospel.

Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians and evangelicals all speak of salvation, grace, faith and the work of Christ. Yet behind this shared language lie significant differences in how salvation is understood.

Is justification a once for all declaration by God, received through faith in Christ alone, or is justification a process in which we cooperate with God’s grace? What place do good works, the sacraments and the Church have in our salvation? And can a believer know with certainty that they have been accepted by God?

In this second episode, Alasdair MacPherson and Ian Jackson examine the different understandings of justification and salvation, and return to the fundamental question, what does the Bible teach about how a sinner is made right with God?

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There is a growing interest in Christianity among a younger generation, with many asking serious questions about faith, truth and the Church. Increasingly, some are looking to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy for answers, attracted in part by their history, tradition and claims to represent historic Christianity.

But age alone does not establish authenticity. The more fundamental question is, where does our authority for Christian belief actually come from?

Is Scripture the final and sufficient authority for what Christians believe, or must it be understood through the traditions and teaching authority of the Church? Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians and evangelicals all appeal to the Bible, but they differ significantly over the authority that Scripture possesses and who has the right to interpret it.

In the first episode of this new series, Alasdair MacPherson is joined by Ian Jackson to consider Scripture, tradition and the authority of the Church, asking ultimately, where should Christians go to determine what is true?

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Welcome to UtG Voices – the monthly podcast from UtG, where we speak to different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content.

In this episode, we begin by speaking to Danielle Stewart about some of her recent articles including, those from the “Women of Faith” series. In part 2, we’ll be speaking to Will MacPherson about how he contributes to the project including his work behind the scenes on the podcast.

Join us, as we get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content, shaping UtG.

Check out:
https://understandingthegospel.org/by-women-for-women/elisabeth-elliot-do-the-next-thing/
https://understandingthegospel.org/by-women-for-women/no-pit-so-deep-corrie-ten-boom-a-legacy-of-forgiveness-and-faith/
https://understandingthegospel.org/spiritual-growth/roundtable-discussions/
https://understandingthegospel.org/the-utg-podcast/

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In this session, Alasdair MacPherson examines how endurance and spiritual fruit provide important evidence of genuine conversion long after initial enthusiasm has faded. The episode explores the character, relationships, and service that should mark a believer's life, and considers how steadfast faithfulness through suffering, reproach, and everyday discipleship demonstrates the reality of a transformed heart.

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In this session, Stephen Grant considers how genuine conversion should produce a growing separation from the world that begins in the heart and is reflected in everyday life. The episode explores the believer’s growth in holiness, the vital role of the local church in nurturing new Christians, and what both the church and the believer should expect as spiritual maturity develops.

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In our third session, Paul Coxall leads a discussion on the biblical meaning and necessity of the new birth. We examine what it means to be “born again”, how repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are essential to genuine conversion, and the basis of assurance of salvation in an individuals life.

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In this second roundtable, Ian Proud leads the discussion on whether genuine conversion must be truly centred on Christ Himself or is He just the means to a better life experience.

This episode warns of the dangers of building Christianity around personalities, movements, platforms, or emotional experiences rather than around the person of Christ. It also considers the proper place of feelings and personal testimony, asking whether they support — or sometimes distract from — authentic faith in Him.

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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