Theology is Fun

Are we living in the last days—and what does that actually mean?

The end times often bring up questions about the rapture, tribulation, and the book of Revelation. But when the New Testament speaks about the “last days,” is it only describing the future? And why should the return of Jesus give Christians hope?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben begin a conversation about eschatology—the study of the last things. They discuss when the last days began, how Jesus is reigning now, and why the early church lived with an expectation of His return. They also explore tribulation, the resurrection of the dead, and final judgment—and explain why Christians can disagree about end-times timelines while remaining united in their hope.

So, how should the promise of Christ’s return change the way we live today?

Discover:

• What the Bible means by “the last days”
• How Christ’s ascension and Pentecost connect to the end times
• Why the early church expected Jesus to return in their lifetime
• How God’s patience helps explain the wait for His return
• Why Revelation is meant to bring clarity, comfort, and hope
• Why the second coming of Jesus is the blessed hope of the church
• What happens at the resurrection and final judgment
• How to discuss different end-times views without dividing the church

Key Passages:

Hebrews 1:1–3 • 1 Corinthians 10:11 • 1 Thessalonians 4–5 • 2 Peter 3:9 • Revelation 1 • Matthew 13 • Matthew 24

Understanding the end times should shape how we live in the present. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain how remembering that Christ reigns and will return helps us live with urgency, remain united, and look ahead with confidence.

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#TheologyIsFun #EndTimes #LastDays #SecondComing #JesusChrist #Eschatology #BibleStudy #ChristianTheology #Revelation

You know the Bible stories—but do you know how they all connect?

From David and Goliath to the book of Revelation, it’s easy to read Scripture as individual stories, moral lessons, or passages about our own lives. But how does seeing the Bible as one unfolding story change the way we understand it?

In this episode, Dr. Ben is joined by guest host Patrick to explore five common misunderstandings about the Bible. They discuss why God is at the center of Scripture, how the covenants connect its story, and why the Old Testament offers far more than examples of good and bad behavior. They also explore how all of Scripture points to Jesus—and why Revelation is meant to reveal Him.

So, how can we move beyond familiar Bible stories and begin to understand the bigger picture?

Discover:

• Why we often make ourselves the center of Scripture
• What to ask before “What does this passage mean for me?”
• How 66 books connect to tell one unfolding story
• What the biblical covenants are and how they fit together
• Why the Old Testament is more than a collection of moral lessons
• How Old Testament people, events, and promises point forward to Christ
• Why Revelation is meant to bring clarity and comfort

Key Passages:

Genesis 1:1 • Romans 1 • 1 Corinthians 10:6 • Luke 24 • 2 Corinthians 3 • Revelation 1:1

Understanding the Bible begins with knowing the God who reveals Himself through it. Dr. Ben and Patrick explain how keeping our eyes on Christ helps us connect the Old and New Testaments, understand the purpose of familiar stories, and see the unity of Scripture.

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🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts

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Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

#TheologyIsFun #BibleStudy #UnderstandingTheBible #BiblicalTheology #OldTestament #JesusChrist #ChristianTheology #Revelation

How did a bishop, a former skeptic, a monk, and a bookworm help shape the way you understand God today?

You may have never read their books—or even heard their names—but Athanasius, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin helped shape conversations Christians still have about Jesus, sin, salvation, and Scripture. So, why should their stories matter to us?

In this episode, Dr. Ben is joined by guest host Patrick to explore four of his favorite theologians. They discuss Athanasius’s defense of Christ’s divinity, Augustine’s understanding of humanity’s fallen nature, Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith alone, and Calvin’s approach to understanding theology and seeing Christ throughout Scripture.

So, how can learning from these theologians deepen our understanding of the Bible—and how do we appreciate their contributions while keeping Scripture as our final authority?

Discover:

• Why church history matters for understanding theology today
• How to learn from theologians without agreeing with everything they taught
• How Athanasius defended the divinity of Jesus
• What Augustine’s disagreement with Pelagius reveals about sin and human nature
• Why Martin Luther emphasized Scripture alone and justification by faith alone
• How John Calvin helped organize theology and highlight Christ throughout Scripture
• Where to start if you want to learn more about these influential thinkers

Key Passages:

Romans 1 • Romans 6–8 • Colossians 1 • Hebrews 1:1–3 • Philippians 2

Church history reminds us that we aren’t the first people to ask difficult questions about God. Dr. Ben and Patrick explain how learning from those who came before us can sharpen our understanding of Scripture, help us recognize theological errors, and deepen our appreciation for the truth of the gospel.

Resources to Explore:

R.C. Sproul’s Heroes of the Christian Faith series from Ligonier Ministries:

Explore the series

Learn about Athanasius:

Athanasius with R.C. Sproul

Learn about Augustine:

Augustine with R.C. Sproul

Learn about Martin Luther:

Martin Luther, Part 1, with R.C. Sproul

Learn about John Calvin:

John Calvin with R.C. Sproul

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

#TheologyIsFun #ChurchHistory #Athanasius #Augustine #MartinLuther #JohnCalvin #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac—and how does this story point to Jesus?

God promised Abraham a son, and despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age, Isaac was born. Yet God then asked Abraham to offer that same son as a sacrifice. How could God’s promise continue through Isaac if Isaac died? And what gave Abraham the faith to obey?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. They explain Abraham’s belief that God could raise his son from the dead, discuss the significance of the ram provided in Isaac’s place, and trace the connections between Isaac, the Passover, and Jesus as the Lamb of God.

So, why was Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac—and what can his story teach us about faith, God’s provision, and the price of our redemption?

Discover:

• How Isaac’s miraculous birth reveals God’s faithfulness
• Why God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac
• What Hebrews 11 reveals about Abraham’s faith in resurrection
• Why Abraham told his servants that both he and Isaac would return
• How the ram provided in Isaac’s place points toward a greater sacrifice
• How the Passover connects to Jesus as the Lamb of God
• How baptism and the Lord’s Supper connect to Old Testament promises

Key Passages:

Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 22:1–14 • Exodus 12 • Hebrews 11:17–19 • John 1:29 • John 3:16

Abraham and Isaac’s story raises difficult questions about faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why this account must be understood within God’s unfolding plan of redemption—and how God’s promise to provide ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #Abraham #Isaac #LambOfGod #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Why did God bless Ishmael—and yet choose Isaac as the son of promise?

God promised Abraham a son, but as the years passed, Abraham and Sarah struggled to see how that promise could be fulfilled. Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Yet God made clear that His covenant would continue through Isaac. What does that distinction tell us about faith and God’s promises?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael. They explain the difference between earthly blessing and covenant blessing, consider Paul’s comparison of Ishmael and Isaac, and discuss their perspective on the spiritual roots of tension in the Middle East.

So, was Ishmael saved—and what can his story teach us about trusting God rather than taking matters into our own hands?

Discover:

• Why Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham
• How Abraham and Sarah tried to fulfill God’s promise themselves
• How God cared for Hagar and blessed Ishmael
• Why Ishmael was not the son of promise
• How Paul contrasts Ishmael and Isaac in Galatians
• Why the hosts distinguish earthly blessing from saving faith
• What this story teaches us about waiting on God’s timing

Key Passages:

Genesis 16–17 • Genesis 21 • Galatians 3–4

Ishmael’s story raises difficult questions about blessing, faith, and the consequences of disobedience. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why receiving earthly blessings is different from belonging to God’s covenant people—and how God’s promise to Abraham ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #Ishmael #Abraham #Isaac #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Why does the Bible call Lot righteous—and how do we reconcile that with his troubling choices?

Lot lived in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness, and his own story includes decisions that are difficult to understand. Yet 2 Peter 2:7–8 calls him righteous and describes how the lawless deeds around him tormented his soul. What does that tell us about his faith?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Lot and explain why being counted righteous doesn’t mean someone always makes righteous choices. They consider what Scripture reveals about his life, why Peter’s description matters, and how the limited details we have should shape our interpretation.

So, was Lot a believer—and what can his story teach us about faith, righteousness, and failure?

Discover:

• Why Peter describes Lot as righteous
• What Lot’s distress over sin reveals about his faith
• Why believers can still make unrighteous choices
• How 2 Peter helps us understand Lot’s story in Genesis
• Why we should be careful when drawing conclusions from limited biblical details
• What God’s rescue of Lot reveals about His judgment and mercy

Key Passages:

Genesis 18–19 • 2 Peter 2:6–9

Lot’s story raises difficult questions about the relationship between faith and behavior. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why his failures must be considered alongside Scripture’s description of his righteousness—and why being saved by God’s grace does not mean living without failure.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #Lot #SodomAndGomorrah #Righteousness #GodsGrace #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

How were people saved before Jesus came to earth—and could Abraham actually be called a Christian?

Abraham believed God, and his faith was counted as righteousness. But how could he be saved through Jesus when Christ’s death and resurrection were still centuries away? Were Old Testament believers saved by keeping the law, offering sacrifices, or trusting in the Messiah God had promised?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore salvation in the Old Testament and explain why there has always been one way to be saved. They examine Abraham’s faith, God’s eternal plan of redemption, and the work of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost. They also discuss why the sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus rather than providing salvation on its own.

So, were Abraham, Moses, and David saved differently—or did they trust the same Savior we do today?

Discover:

• How people were saved in the Old Testament
• Why Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben describe Abraham as a Christian
• What it means that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness
• How Old Testament believers trusted in the promised Messiah
• Why animal sacrifices could never take away sin
• How the Holy Spirit worked in believers before Pentecost
• What changed with the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant

Key Passages:

Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 15:6 • Romans 4:17–21 • Galatians 3:8 • John 8:56 • Hebrews 11:8–16 • John 4:21–24 • Psalm 50

The question of salvation before Jesus points to the unity of God’s redemptive plan. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain how Old Testament believers looked forward to the promised Messiah, while believers today look back to His finished work—the same Savior at the center of both.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #OldTestament #Salvation #Abraham #JesusChrist #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Was Melchizedek a mysterious king and priest—or was he actually an appearance of Jesus before His birth?

Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14, where he blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils. Yet centuries later, Psalm 110 and the book of Hebrews return to him to explain something essential about Jesus. Why does this seemingly minor figure matter so much?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben examine the different views of Melchizedek, including the idea that he was a preincarnate appearance of Christ. They look at his missing genealogy, his roles as both king and priest, and the way Hebrews uses his encounter with Abraham to show that Jesus belongs to a greater and lasting priesthood.

So, was Melchizedek Jesus—or was he a real person whose life pointed forward to Him?

Discover:

• Who Melchizedek was in Genesis 14
• Why Abraham gave him a tenth of the spoils
• What Hebrews means when it says he had no recorded father, mother, or genealogy
• Whether Melchizedek could have been an appearance of Jesus
• Why his priesthood matters more than the Levitical priesthood
• How Melchizedek points to Jesus as both King and Priest
• Whether the bread and wine in Genesis 14 point forward to the Lord’s Supper

Key Passages:

Genesis 14:18–20 • Psalm 110:4 • Hebrews 5:5–10 • Hebrews 6:19–20 • Hebrews 7

The mystery of Melchizedek leads to a bigger question: What does his story reveal about Jesus? Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why Hebrews looks back to this ancient king and priest to help us understand Christ’s eternal priesthood.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #Melchizedek #JesusChrist #Hebrews7 #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Is David and Goliath really a story about facing the “giants” in your life?

It’s one of the most familiar stories in the Bible—and one of the most common applications is simple: Be like David. Have courage. Trust God. Grab your five smooth stones and go defeat your giant. But is that actually the point of 1 Samuel 17?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take a closer look at David and Goliath and the larger biblical story surrounding this famous battle. They unpack the failure of Saul, the anointing of David, and why David’s victory over Goliath is about much more than overcoming obstacles. They also trace the imagery of the victorious champion back to Genesis 3:15 and forward to Jesus Christ—the greater King who ultimately defeats sin, death, and Satan.

So, are you supposed to see yourself as David—or is David pointing us to someone greater?

Discover:

• Why David and Goliath isn’t primarily about “facing your giants”
• Why Israel wanted a king—and what went wrong with Saul
• The significance of David being God’s anointed king
• How David’s victory connects to the promise of Genesis 3:15
• Why crushing Goliath’s head matters to the larger biblical story
• How David, Samson, and Solomon point forward to Christ
• Why Jesus is the greater King and ultimate Champion
• How the story of David and Goliath should actually shape the way Christians face trials

Key Passages:

1 Samuel 8 • 1 Samuel 16–17 • Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 49 • Judges 16 • 2 Samuel 7 • Matthew 3–4

The point of David and Goliath isn’t that you need to become David and defeat every giant in your life. It’s that we can trust the God who keeps His promises—and the Champion He has provided for His people.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

#TheologyIsFun #DavidAndGoliath #JesusChrist #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #BiblicalTheology

Was Jesus’ body actually “broken” for us?

It’s a phrase Christians often hear in worship songs, sermons, and during the Lord’s Supper: “His body was broken for you.” But is that actually what Scripture says?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take a closer look at 1 Corinthians 11:24 and the biblical imagery behind Communion. They unpack an important distinction: Scripture describes the bread as broken, while Jesus says of His body, “This is My body, which is for you.” They also explore why John specifically emphasizes that none of Jesus’ bones were broken, connecting His crucifixion to the Old Testament Passover Lamb.

So, are we just splitting theological hairs—or does the language we use actually matter?

Discover:

• Why Christians commonly say Jesus’ body was “broken”
• What 1 Corinthians 11:24 actually says
• Why some Bible translations include the word “broken”
• How Jesus fulfills the imagery of the Passover Lamb
• What the bread and wine represent in the Lord’s Supper
• Why Christ’s righteousness and our participation in His sacrifice matter
• How greater biblical clarity can deepen our understanding of Communion

Key Passages:

1 Corinthians 11 • John 6 • John 10 • John 19 • Exodus 12 • Exodus 16 • Numbers 9 • Isaiah 53

The symbols of the Lord’s Supper matter—and understanding what they point to gives us a clearer picture of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross.