Truth & Circumstances

Episode Highlights – The gift of faith, sovereignly given by God’s Holy Spirit, cannot/will not be finally resisted by the elect – Faith is a gift of God. Phil 1:29; Eph 2:8-9 – God saves without dependence upon man. Acts 9:3-16; 16:14; 1 Cor 1:30-31 – Those whom the Father chooses will be saved. Acts … Continue reading Episode 133: What’s the deal with reformed theology? Irresistible Grace

Episode Highlights: – Historical and theological background indicate that Paul was instructing against women showing overt signs of rebellion and promiscuity. – Symbols that would be more meaningful in our culture–showing faithfulness/submission to one’s husband–would be wearing a wedding ring and dressing modestly.

Episode Highlights: – There is evidence in the OT that it is not inherently ungodly for men to have long hair, and by inference, for women to have short hair. (Lev 10:6; 21:10; Num 6:5) – It is likely that Paul’s comments regarding long and short hair are an application of the OT principle that … Continue reading Episode 131: Head coverings and short hair? Part 1

Episode Highlights: – Having children doesn’t have to mean the functional end of your marriage. A commitment to prioritizing your spouse will make that closeness transcend the childrearing years. – We need to think deeply about what it means for children to be a blessing. They are a good, enjoyable, delightful gift. What other blessings … Continue reading Episode 130: What should we do if we know the clock is ticking, but we’re not in a hurry to have kids?

Episode Highlights: – This question pertains to the extent of the atonement: Did Christ’s death pay the penalty for all individuals without exception or only for the elect? – A proper understanding of atonement itself excludes the possibility of a general or universal atonement. – This doctrine, more accurately expressed as “particular redemption,” leads us … Continue reading Episode 129: What’s the deal with reformed theology? Limited Atonement

Episode Highlights: – Where should be cautious about the gifts in the ways Scripture instructs, i.e. how tongues and prophecy are to function in corporate worship. We should not assume a posture of automatic suspicion, since the Bible teaches they are good and beneficial for the upbuilding of the church. – We should not be … Continue reading Episode 128: How should I think about a friend excited about particular gifts of the Spirit? Part 2

Episode Highlights: – Given that the issue of the gifts of the Spirit is a second or third tier issue, we should not consider it a reason to separate from one another. We can disagree. – All gifts will cease when the Lord returns. (1 Cor 13:8-10) – Until Christ returns, all gifts remain active … Continue reading Episode 127: How should I think about a friend excited about particular gifts of the Spirit? Part 1

Highlights: – While passages teaching unconditional election abound, in addition to Romans 9 (covered in part 1), John 6, John 10, and Ephesians 1 are key. – Practical implications of the doctrine of unconditional election are motivation to worship and motivation to evangelize. – We must be careful this and other doctrines not to go … Continue reading Episode 126: What’s the deal with reformed theology? Unconditional Election, Part 2

Episode Highlights: – Understand that the use of technology and social media are not inherently evil or good. They can be one or the other depending upon how we use them. – A parent’s main responsibility is to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, which assumes training a child to … Continue reading Episode 125: What counsel would you give to parents navigating decisions about their teen’s smartphones/social media?

Episode Highlights: – Election is the act of God from eternity past (before creation) in which He chooses whom to save, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of His own gracious pleasure. – Israel is the foremost paradigm for understanding God as an electing God. Gen 12; Deut 7:6 … Continue reading Episode 124: What’s the deal with reformed theology? Unconditional Election