How would you describe a strong Christian? If you were to make a list of what characterizes a mature Christian, what would you put on that list? At Theocast, we are convinced that many would not answer these questions the way the apostles would have. As we look to the New Testament, what does it say about those who are strong in the church?

Semper Reformanda: The guys discuss parachurch ministries and how they have often contributed to the confusion about what characterizes a strong Christian. Then, we talk more about the necessity of ordinary faithfulness in loving the weak in the church.

Giveaway: "Spurgeon's Sorrows" by Zack Eswine

FREE EBOOK: theocast.org/primer

Scripture references:
Romans 15:1-4
Galatians 6:1-2
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Ephesians 4:1-3
Hebrews 3:15
John 13:34

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#biblicism #reformedtheology #bible

Biblicism might sound like a good thing...but it's not. Biblicism is a methodology that tends to introduce confusion and mystery into the Scriptures where there isn't any. It also tends to confuse doctrinal and theological categories such as law/gospel distinction and faith versus works. Jon and Justin consider these things and more in this episode.

Semper Reformanda: The guys discuss how biblicism is related to theonomy and unhelpful views on the nation of Israel. And, as a bonus, we get into a little bit of eschatology.

Resources:
Episode: Is the whole Bible about Jesus?
Episode: Is your theological system any good?
Series: Covenant Theology series
Book: "Living in God's Two Kingdoms" by David VanDrunnen

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Is the whole Bible really about Jesus? Here at Theocast, we believe that it is. Jon and Justin consider the pattern of Jesus and the apostles with regard to how they understood the Bible. The guys consider typology and how it is useful in understanding the Scriptures--and biblicism and how it is not helpful.

Semper Reformanda: Justin talks about the thing that has most impacted his preaching. Jon and Justin then discuss how important it is to see that every promise of Scripture finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

Resources:
Episode: Is Christ-Centered Preaching Dangerous?
"The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant & His Kingdom" by Samuel Renihan
"Preaching Christ in All of Scripture" by Edmond Clowney
"The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament" by Edmond Clowney

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#discipleship #reformedtheology #bible

People often get the impression that being a disciple of Jesus is only for the strong. When it comes to discipleship, there is no room for fear or doubt. Is that the presentation of the gospel writers? Is that what we see in the New Testament epistles? Are followers of Jesus ever afraid? Do they doubt? Jon and Justin consider these things.

Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss the apostle Paul and how he understood himself to be the foremost of sinners. And then the guys go on to talk about the corrosion in the local church that has contributed to saints living in fear and anxiety.

Resources:
Episode: Discipleship is not about you
Episode: Take up your cross?
1689 LBC, Chapters 13 and 18

Giveaway: "A Place for Weakness" by Michael Horton

FREE Ebook: theocast.org/primer

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If you look around in the church or on Christian social media, there seems to be a lot of confusion about repentance. What exactly is it, biblically? In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about repentance from various places in Scripture. And they consider repentance at conversion and the ongoing repentance that characterizes the Christian life.

Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss how none of us can adequately repent, how repentance is not penance, as well the fact that the Christian life is one of ongoing repentance.

Resources:
"The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson
"Christ the Lord" by Michael Horton
1689 LBC, Chapters 14 and 15

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Can Christians sin to the point that there is no mercy left? Is it normal for Christians to struggle with sin--even heinous or intentional sins? When Christians sin badly and for a long time, do we fall from God's favor? Is there any comfort for the struggler? Jon and Justin consider all of this and more in today's episode.

Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss the views of different traditions when it comes to apostasy and struggles with sin.

Scripture references:
2 Corinthians 11:3
Romans 7:15ff
Galatians 5:17
Ephesians 4:27, 6:12ff
James 1:13-15, 4:7
1 Peter 5:8
1 John 1:8-2:2, 3:8

Resources:
Our primer on assurance
Our episode on "How Much Can a Christian Sin?"

Giveaway: "Safe in Christ: A Primer on Assurance" by Theocast

Is there any Christ in your Genesis? The book of Genesis is often mishandled. Peripheral things are over-emphasized and the main point is lost. Jon and Justin talk about Genesis from a redemptive-historical, covenantal, and Christ-centered perspective.

Semper Reformanda Podcast: Jon and Justin take a deeper dive into covenant theology and the book of Genesis. It is our perspective that Genesis cannot be rightly understood apart from a covenantal framework. We aim to explain how and why.

Resources:

Book Giveaway: "Grace in Despair" by Dianna Carroll

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Let's be real, self-righteousness is a problem in the church. When we are self-righteous, it is very dangerous for others--and it is detrimental for ourselves. Jon and Justin talk about the blindness of self-righteousness, the harm that comes from it, and, of course, the sufficiency of Christ.

Semper Reformanda Podcast: Jon and Justin speak to people who are in the "cage stage" of coming out of pietism. In short, calm down, trust Christ, love others, and pursue obedience. The guys also consider the posture we want to have in engaging others. In all of this, it's important to remember that it is the law--not the gospel--that is a hammer.

Scripture:
John 19:31
Philippians 3:1-11
Luke 18:9-14
Matthew 7:1-5
Romans 2:1-3

Book Recommendation: "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson

A lot of times when we look at our lives, we question the grace of God. Maybe that's because of how we're doing, spiritually. Or it could be because our circumstances are hard. We wrestle with whether God really is graciously inclined toward us. What is the antidote to this? It is to look to Christ. He is the evidence of God's grace toward us.

Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about the goodness and the sweetness of confessional theology--as well as the confusion and harm that exists outside of it.

Resources:
1689 LBC (especially 2.1, 5.5)

Scripture:
Ephesians 1:3-14, 2:4-7
Romans 5:1-11
Hebrews 10:1-14, 12:1-2
Genesis 1-3

Giveaway: "Christianity and Liberalism" by J. Gresham Machen

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"Jesus-plus" theology has always been popular. People add things to the gospel and to Jesus in order to legitimize their Christian lives. Is Jesus really enough for us? Not just for our salvation, but for our Christian lives? Aren't there other things we need to be concerned for? Jon and Justin consider this and more.

Semper Reformanda: They guys begin by giving give more information about our plans for Semper Reformanda. And then, Jon and Justin talk about the woke church. Is the woke church preaching a different gospel? The guys also talk about marriage, complementarianism, and other things Christians tend to get worked up over.

Resources:
"Ordinary" by Michael Horton
Is the Woke Church Movement a False Gospel? | ask Theocast
FREE Ebook: Theocast.org/primer

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