White Horse Inn

WHI-1455 • On this episode, we arrive at that amazing scene at the wedding of Cana in which Jesus turns water into wine. Though some have attempted to argue that Jesus actually turned water into grape juice, the implications of this passage are unmistakably clear. What is the point being made in John chapter 2, and how can it be reconciled with other texts that seem to prohibit drunkenness? More importantly, what Old Testament themes are being alluded to here at this wedding, and how does this miracle end up revealing Christ’s glory?

We not only need to know "what we believe and why we believe it," but we need to effectively communicate those beliefs with others. How, for example, do we avoid getting into heated arguments about religious matters? What's the best way to challenge opposing points of view? On this edition of the White Horse Inn, the hosts discuss these questions and more with Greg Koukl, author of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (originally aired 10-04-09).

WHI-1454 • If you ask people today what they think the Bible is about, you’ll probably be told that it’s a collection of morality tales that encourages people to behave. Even many of those raised in Christian homes tend to think of Scripture primarily as a helpful guide that tries to steer us in the right direction. But in the latter part of John’s opening chapter, we’re told that the ultimate message found throughout the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets actually relates to the coming of Jesus Christ. In short, the Bible’s big picture is not about our ascent to God, but of God’s descent to us in the person of his Son.

The most important difference between the religions of the world and the Christian faith is the difference between law and gospel. At the core of every religion is the application of moral instruction and advice for personal transformation. This appeals to all human beings because we are all wired for law. But the essence of Christianity is not law but gospel. Christ fulfilled the law, and paid the penalty for our lawlessness. The gospel therefore is not good advice that needs to be applied, but good news to be believed (originally aired 02-10-08).

WHI-1453 • If the Gospel of John is seen as a kind of “trial narrative,” then John the Baptist is the first witness who is called to testify on Christ’s behalf. And John’s declaration is perhaps a little different from what many today might expect. For example, he doesn’t point to Jesus saying, “Behold your best friend who will always be there for you,” nor does he point to Jesus as a kind of life-coach or spiritual therapist. Rather, in John’s view, Christians should primarily think of Jesus as “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” On this program the hosts will take a look at the Old Testament roots of this pronouncement and discuss its present-day implications.

On this classic episode of the White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger and Rod Rosenbladt discuss the identifying marks of a true church, arguing that above all, one should look for a place in which the word is rightly preached, and the sacraments rightly administered (originally aired 11-14-93).

WHI-1452 • On this edition of the program we’re continuing our discussion of John’s opening prologue and will unpack the significance of verse 14, as the Word becomes flesh and “pitches his tent” among us. Just as God’s glory resided in Israel’s ancient tabernacle, so too John witnesses the glory of the incarnate Word who dwells in our midst. Here we have another clear indication of Jesus’ identity, since according to Isaiah 48:11, glory is something that is unique to Yahweh himself.

Who is that mysterious character known as "the angel of the Lord" who appeared at various times and places throughout Israel's long history? A close examination of the texts in which he appears actually shows that this "messenger of Yahweh" often speaks and acts as God himself. On this edition of the program the hosts will discuss these divine manifestations throughout the Old Testament (originally aired 12-25-16).

There was a time in which Judaism & Christianity had many more beliefs in common. As it turns out, many ancient Jews before the time of Christ actually expected the coming of a divine messiah who would appear in bodily form in order to atone for sin and accomplish redemption. In fact, some Jews even spoke of this messiah as a kind of second divine figure who was distinct from the Ancient of Days, and whose relationship to God was like that of a son to a father. Shane Rosenthal discusses these issues and more with Daniel Boyarin, author of The Jewish Gospels, and John Ronning, author of The Jewish Targums and John’s Logos Theology.

Why does the Gospel of John begin with this strange concept of the Word of God who was “with God” and yet somehow also “was God”? Some have tried to argue that the author of this text attempted to borrow concepts from Greek philosophy in order to appeal to his largely Gentile readers. Others push back against this idea, saying that John’s approach is entirely consistent with Jewish beliefs and expectations. On this program the hosts will discuss the opening of John’s Gospel and will seek to interpret it in the light of its early first century Jewish context.