Was being spared from Vietnam really God's grace—while millions died? This episode confronts the tension between personal blessing and global suffering, and what our words say about the God we proclaim.

This episode explores what the trend reveals about our culture—and what it means for the church. It's not about attention span. It's about meaning, depth, and presence.

We continue our study of Isaiah 44

Seminaries teach hermeneutics — but do their preaching courses follow the same rules? In this episode, I explore the disconnect between biblical interpretation and sermon preparation, and ask: when does faithful exposition go off the rails — in the classroom, or the pulpit?

The sermon explores the need for rigorous biblical interpretation within Protestantism, drawing from Bernard Rahm's *Protestant Biblical Interpretation* to advocate for a disciplined approach rooted in historical and grammatical context. The speaker laments the prevalence of subjective interpretation and the absence of systematic study, highlighting the failure to cultivate responsible Bible study methods despite repeated calls for them. Ultimately, the speaker challenges the assumptions of perspicuity of Scripture and the role of divine illumination, arguing that a commitment to sound hermeneutics is essential for navigating the complexities of biblical understanding and avoiding the pitfalls of individualistic, unchecked interpretation.

The sermon explores the unintended consequences of Sola Scriptura, arguing that while intended to empower individuals with direct access to God's word, it has fostered a culture of unchecked interpretation and theological chaos. The speaker contends that the Protestant emphasis on individual biblical authority has led to a system where laypeople evaluate sermons and theological positions without formal training, resulting in fragmentation, power struggles, and a lack of accountability. Ultimately, the speaker advocates for a more structured approach to biblical understanding, suggesting that individuals invest in formal hermeneutical training to navigate the complexities of Scripture and avoid the pitfalls of subjective interpretation.

We begin our exegetical study of Isaiah 44