In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore Jesus’ powerful statement in John 6: “I am the bread of life.”

What begins with jokes about cereal, breadsticks, and wilderness diets quickly turns into a deep theological discussion tracing this claim all the way back to Genesis, the Garden of Eden, the Exodus narrative, and the manna in the wilderness.

Together they unpack:

1. Why hunger exists in the biblical storyline
2. How Adam’s fall changed humanity’s relationship to provision and creation
3. Why the Exodus is a type pointing forward to Christ
4. What the manna in Exodus 16 teaches about daily dependence on God
5. How Jesus redefines “bread from heaven” and applies it to Himself
6. The connection between the Bread of Life, the Lord’s Prayer, and eternal rest

Along the way, they discuss typology, the wilderness motif, the “already and not yet” of the Christian life, and how Christ sustains His people until He returns—or calls us home.

If you’ve ever wondered:

1. Why Jesus’ Bread of Life statement shocked His listeners
2. How the Old Testament prepares us for John 6
3. What it means to rely on God for “daily bread” today
4. How the Exodus points to salvation in Christ

—this episode is for you.

Key passages: John 6, Exodus 16, Genesis 3, Deuteronomy 18, 1 Corinthians 10

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What stood out most to you about Jesus as the true bread from heaven?

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Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

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

#ChristianPodcast #TheologyIsFun #BibleTeaching #ChurchLeadership #john6 #BiblicalTheology #ScriptureOverCulture #BellShoals #truebread

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle one of the most misunderstood—and dangerous—statements Jesus ever made: “I am the Good Shepherd.”

Most Christians hear “Good Shepherd” and think comfort, care, and tenderness. But in John 10, Jesus’ audience heard something very different. His claim sparked division, accusations of demon possession, and ultimately an attempt to stone Him.

Why?

In this episode, we show how Jesus’ “Good Shepherd” claim is rooted deeply in the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel 34 and 2 Samuel 5, where “shepherd” is not a sentimental image—but a royal and divine title. We trace how shepherd language becomes king language, how God promises to shepherd His people Himself, and how Jesus fulfills those promises as both David’s Son and God in the flesh.

This isn’t a feel-good metaphor. It’s a claim to the throne, a declaration of divinity, and a fulfillment of covenant promises that shook Jesus’ contemporaries to their core.

If you’ve ever wondered:

1. Why Jesus’ words provoked such violent reactions
2. What the “Good Shepherd” actually means in its biblical context
3. How John 10 connects to Ezekiel, David, and the Davidic covenant

—this episode is for you.

Key passages: John 10, Ezekiel 34, 2 Samuel 5, Psalm 23

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Did you ever realize the “Good Shepherd” claim was this explosive?

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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

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Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

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

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible: the Armor of God (Ephesians 6). Is Paul describing a Roman soldier—or is he doing something far deeper?

We show how the “armor” language is rooted in the Old Testament, especially Isaiah (Isaiah 11, 52, 59), and how the armor ultimately points to Christ as the Divine Warrior King. This isn’t about hype or “running amok” in spiritual warfare—it’s about standing firm in what Jesus has already accomplished: His righteousness, His salvation, and the gospel of peace.

If you’ve ever wondered what the Armor of God really means, how to interpret Ephesians 6 in context, and how spiritual warfare connects to the gospel, this one’s for you.

Key passages: Ephesians 6:10–18, Isaiah 11:5, Isaiah 52:7, Isaiah 59:17

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: Do you think Paul had a Roman centurion in mind?

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

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

Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Ben and Dr. Corey continue the conversation on women in the church—not simply asking what women can’t do, but clarifying what Scripture teaches about the essential, God-given roles women should fulfill in the life and leadership of the local church.

Building from the biblical distinction between the priesthood of all believers and the offices of the church, they explain why the New Testament consistently describes two church offices—elder/pastor/overseer and deacon—and why those categories matter for understanding leadership, authority, and responsibility. The conversation walks through 1 Timothy 2–3 and connects Paul’s logic back to Genesis 2, showing how creation order shapes the church’s structure—not cultural preference.

At the same time, this episode strongly rejects the common “bleed” where complementarian convictions get applied in ways the Bible never commands—treating women like second-class citizens or restricting faithful service in ways Scripture does not. Dr. Ben and Dr. Corey argue that biblical complementarianism is meant to be neither neglectful nor abusive, and they emphasize the real-world reality that churches cannot flourish without the dynamic leadership, wisdom, and ministry of women.

They also address the frequent objection, “If God gifts women to teach, why would He restrict the pastoral office?” and explain the difference between spiritual gifting and the burden of responsibility attached to elder oversight. The episode highlights key biblical examples of women who served with strength and influence—while still honoring the church’s God-given structure—pointing to figures like Deborah, Priscilla, and Phoebe as important categories for understanding women’s ministry today.

This is not a conversation about diminishing women or limiting their contribution. It’s about reading Scripture carefully, honoring God’s design, and encouraging churches to celebrate and empower women’s ministry without collapsing biblical roles into cultural power struggles.

Watch the full episode here:

[INSERT LINK]

Listen on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney:

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug:

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

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

Can women be pastors—and how should Christians think biblically about leadership in the church?

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug begin a thoughtful, Scripture-driven conversation on one of the most debated issues in the modern church: women serving as pastors and elders.

Rather than reacting to cultural pressure or internet arguments, the discussion carefully defines key theological frameworks and traces the issue back to Scripture, creation, and the New Testament’s understanding of church office and authority.

The conversation explores:

1. The difference between egalitarianism and complementarianism, and why definitions matter
2. Why this debate centers on specific church offices—not leadership or gifting in general
3. How the New Testament uses elder, overseer, and pastor interchangeably
4. Why Paul grounds church leadership roles in creation, not cultural convenience
5. How Genesis, the Fall, and responsibility shape the pastoral office
6. Why Galatians 3 speaks to salvation, not church roles
7. How bad interpretations—on either side—create confusion and unnecessary division
8. Why honoring biblical roles does not diminish the dignity, value, or influence of women

This episode aims to bring clarity without hostility, conviction without arrogance, and truth without caricature—while acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic and the real harm caused when Scripture is ignored or misapplied.

If you’ve ever wondered how Christians should approach this issue faithfully, humbly, and biblically, this conversation provides a grounded starting point—without taking itself too seriously.

👍 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

📖 Part 2 continues the discussion on where and how women are called to lead and serve in the church

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

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

Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

What is the glory of God, and why does it matter so much?

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug wrap up a two-part conversation on God’s glory, tracing it from Exodus to the Transfiguration and ultimately to Jesus Christ Himself.

The discussion explores:

1. Why God’s glory is a summative term for all His infinite perfections
2. How humanity’s core problem isn’t just sin—but our failure to rightly reflect God’s glory
3. What Moses saw in the cleft of the rock, and why it matters today
4. How the Transfiguration answers the Exodus problem of a holy God dwelling with sinful people
5. Why Jesus is both the I AM and the One who fulfills the Law and the Prophets
6. How Christ’s “departure” (cross, resurrection, and ascension) solves the problem of sin and glory
7. Why the glory of God no longer merely appears among us—but now dwells within us by the Spirit

This episode connects big biblical moments—Exodus, Passover, Transfiguration, Pentecost—into one unified story of redemption, showing how God’s glory is revealed most clearly in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to “reflect God’s glory,” this conversation brings clarity, depth, and practical application—without taking itself too seriously.

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

📖 Catch Part 1 if you missed it—this episode builds directly on it

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

Listen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb?si=0e6e8a0bd02940a4&nd=1&dlsi=316dafaa99a54685

Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram

Instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram

Instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

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

In this episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore one of the most profound and misunderstood themes in Scripture: the glory of God.

The conversation centers on Moses’ request in Exodus 33—“Show me your glory”—and what that moment reveals about who God is and what He chooses to make known. Corey and Ben unpack why God’s relentless focus on His own glory is not egotistical, but good, necessary, and life-giving.

Tracing the theme from the burning bush and Mount Sinai into the New Testament, they show how God’s glory moves from smoke and fire to its fullest expression in a person. John’s declaration that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” reframes what Moses longed to see, pointing us to Jesus as the clearest revelation of God’s glory—full of grace and truth.

With theological clarity, humor, and pastoral insight, this episode reminds listeners that God’s glory is not distant or abstract. It is meant to lead us to Christ and shape every part of our lives.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

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

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

Follow Dr. Corey Abney

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug

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&feature=shared

In this episode of Theology is Fun, Dr. Corey is joined by Venezuelan Pastor Jim Contreras for a timely conversation on how the church should respond when the world feels like it’s shaking.

With major headlines coming out of Venezuela, including the reported U.S. operation and detention of Nicolás Maduro, Pastor Jim shares a personal perspective from growing up in Venezuela under the Chávez/Maduro-era collapse: water shortages, power outages, food lines, fear, and how it impacted him.

But this episode isn’t political commentary; it’s a pastoral and biblical framework for Christians living through humanitarian and political unrest.

We talk about:

1. Why the gospel must stay first in every season
2. Why the gospel should be the stumbling block, not our opinions or tone
3. How Christian conduct matters most when culture is tense
4. How the gospel shapes relationships and unity even when we disagree
5. Why our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not any earthly nation

We close by praying for Venezuela, for families affected, and for churches to stay anchored in Christ with courage, gentleness, and endurance.

Scriptures referenced: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:17–18, Romans 13, Acts 5, 1 Peter 2–3, Hebrews 10

#VenezuelanPastor #Venezuela #Maduro #TheologyIsFun #ChristianLeadership #Church #GospelFirst #Prayer

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Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram

Instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram

Instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

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

In this end-of-year episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug take listeners deep into one of the most misunderstood doctrines in Christian theology: the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ as one person with two complete natures, fully God and fully man.

The conversation begins with a familiar worship song lyric that sparks theological “angst” and quickly opens into a wide-ranging discussion on the incarnation, the meaning of Philippians 2, and why language matters deeply when we speak or sing about Christ. Along the way, Corey and Ben unpack common misconceptions about Jesus “setting aside” divine attributes, explain why the kenotic theory has been historically rejected, and explore how Scripture speaks about Christ’s humanity without denying His full deity.

Topics include:

1. Whether Jesus ever limited His omniscience or divine power
2. How to understand Christ’s humanity without turning Him into a “Superman Jesus”
3. Why the incarnation is addition, not subtraction
4. How the Spirit works in Christ’s earthly ministry
5. Why Jesus can grow, hunger, suffer, and yet still uphold the universe
6. How to read difficult passages like “the Son does not know the day or the hour”

With pastoral insight, sharp theology, and plenty of humor (including laser beams, Bo Humbug, and baby Jesus with a rattle), this episode helps listeners think carefully and biblically about who Jesus is—and why getting this right matters for worship, doctrine, and faith.

As the year comes to a close, this conversation reminds us not to get lost in technicalities while missing the big picture: God has come to rescue us by becoming one of us.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments.

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

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

Follow Dr. Corey Abney instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug 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&feature=shared

In this special Christmas Eve episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take on one of the more surprising questions that tends to surface this time of year: Should Christians celebrate Christmas at all? And why do some argue that putting Christ at the center of the holiday actually violates biblical worship?

The conversation centers on the Regulative Principle—the belief that worship should only include what Scripture explicitly commands—and why that principle has led some to conclude that Christmas, especially when focused on the incarnation of Jesus, crosses theological boundaries. Corey and Ben carefully unpack these arguments, tracing their historical roots and measuring them against the full witness of Scripture.

Along the way, they discuss the difference between commanded worship and Christian freedom, how cultural traditions can be redeemed rather than rejected, and why the incarnation of Christ is not a peripheral doctrine but a central pillar of the gospel itself. They also offer thoughtful guidance on navigating these conversations with family and friends—especially when the holidays bring strong opinions to the table.

With humor, pastoral wisdom, and biblical depth, this episode reminds listeners that Christmas is not about defending traditions or avoiding controversy. It’s about rejoicing in the astonishing truth that God entered our broken world to redeem it.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas—celebrating, weary, or somewhere in between—this conversation points back to the heart of the season and the hope found in Christ.

Merry Christmas from The Theology Is Fun Podcast.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug

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&feature=shared