Wits' End

By Jonathan Marshall and George Antonios

Two pastors, one from Montreal, Canada, the other from Toledo, Ohio discuss a wide range of topics as they seek to be Philadelphians living in Laodicea. Email us at [email protected]... more

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FAQs about Wits' End:

How many episodes does Wits' End have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.

Wits' End episodes:

January 04, 2024Episode 26: How Satan Deceived Eve
Takeaways
The attack on the family and the word of God is a recurring theme in the Bible.

Satan often tempts us by offering something that he cannot deliver.

Trusting God's word and resisting temptation requires simplicity and faith.

We must be aware of Satan's subtlety and craftiness to resist his temptations.

Choosing God's Word over our own desires is crucial in maintaining a strong relationship with Him. The process of temptation involves stages of presentation, illumination, debate, decision, and death.

Trusting God's Word is essential in relationships, as it provides a solid foundation and guards against doubt.

The potential for rebellion exists in both angels and humans, but trusting in God's love and grace can prevent it.

Satan seeks to influence various areas of life, including religion, politics, education, and finance.

Trusting in Christ and His Word brings simplicity and peace amid complexity and doubt.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Christmas Memories
00:55 Jumping into Genesis Chapter 3
03:27 The Tension and Unresolved Conflict in Genesis 3
07:07 The Attack on the Family and Word of God
09:23 The Deception and Temptation of Eve
12:58 The Subtlety and Craftiness of the Serpent
15:48 Adding to God's Word and Trusting His Word
19:18 The False Promises of Satan
22:32 Trusting God with Evil
25:04 The Battle of Relationships
27:54 The Simplicity in Trusting God
32:45 The Temptation to Think 'I'm Different'
36:39 Choosing God's Word over Desires
38:23 The Progression of Temptation
39:26 The Temptation Process
42:13 The Validity of God's Word
43:00 Trusting God in Relationships
45:23 The Purpose of Choice
47:31 Trusting God in the Face of Doubt
49:17 The Nature of Choice and Love
50:29 The Potential for Rebellion
52:20 God's Word as a Testing Ground
53:20 The Depraved Human Heart
56:30 The Danger of Man's Device
58:11 Learning and Trusting God's Word
01:00:30 The Influence of Satan
01:02:19 The Value of Podcasting
01:03:19 Trusting God's Word in Temptation
01:05:00 Satan's Influence in Various Areas
01:09:12 The Simplicity in Trusting Christ
01:12:26Trusting God amid Complexity
01:14:31 Trusting God at the End of Our Wits
...more
1h 15min
December 21, 2023Episode 25: Can Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Takeaways
Childhood memories of Christmas traditions can bring joy and nostalgia.

The etymology of words like 'crèche' can reveal interesting historical connections.

Personal sacrifices for the Lord can lead to a deeper understanding of Christian liberty.

Romans 14 encourages Christians to be gracious and not condemn themselves or others in matters of personal conviction.

Pleasing the Lord should be the ultimate goal in celebrating Christmas.

Balancing faith and enjoyment is crucial in celebrating Christmas, as long as the heart's motive is to honor and please the Lord.

The faith of a child is special and should be nurtured, but it is essential to teach children the truth about Jesus Christ and not replace Him with fictional characters like Santa Claus.

Christmas can be a practical opportunity to reach others with the gospel and share the true meaning of the holiday.

In matters of personal conviction, it is important to walk in love and charity towards others, respecting their beliefs and avoiding judgment or self-righteousness.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Christmas Traditions
02:03 Childhood Memories of Christmas
03:00 The Provenance of the Word 'crèche'
04:11 Family Traditions and Nativity Scenes
05:45 The Placement of the Wise Men
08:17 Personal Christmas Songs and Traditions
09:09 Recording a Christmas Song
09:26 Family Traditions and Engagements
10:05 The Influence of 'The Two Babylons'
11:00 Giving Up Christmas Traditions
12:28 Sacrificing for the Lord
13:41 Kindness from Churches during Christmas
14:22 The Movie 'It's a Wonderful Life'
16:17 The Provenance of the Word 'Providence'
18:08 Christmas Traditions and Celebrations
19:28 The Significance of a Fireplace
21:48 Giving Up Christmas and Rediscovering It
22:25 The Journey from Giving Up Christmas to Rediscovering It
29:48 The Importance of Romans 14 in Christmas Celebrations
32:06 Personal Sacrifices for the Lord
36:19 The Significance of Sacrifice for the Lord
37:12 The Importance of Pleasing the Lord
37:32 The Symbolism of Christmas and Pagan Influences
46:30 Balancing Faith and Enjoyment
53:19 The Motive of the Heart
59:48 The Faith of a Child
01:05:31 The Practical Value of Christmas
01:10:53 Charity and Walking in Love
...more
1h 14min
December 15, 2023Episode 24: Nakedness in the Bible
Summary
This conversation explores the themes of nakedness, clothing, shame, fear, and self-identity in relation to Genesis 2:25. The speakers discuss the significance of clothing as a medium and the importance of the heart over outward appearance. They also address the topic of tattoos and the role of shame and fear in human existence. The conversation emphasizes the liberation and acceptance found in Jesus Christ and the need for a relationship with God to understand one's true identity. In this conversation, Jonathan Marshall and George Antonios discuss various topics related to self-awareness, sin, and the significance of clothing and nakedness. They emphasize the need for God's guidance in finding oneself and the rebellion against God's natural order in society. They also explore the concept of the age of accountability and the connection between self-awareness and sin. The conversation delves into the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on physical intimacy and the significance of living between the innocence of Genesis 2 and the fall in Genesis 3. They conclude by expressing gratitude for God's provision and the opportunity to confess and find forgiveness in Him.
Takeaways
Seek God's guidance in finding yourself and understanding your purpose.

Recognize the rebellion against God's natural order in society.

Understand the age of accountability and the connection between self-awareness and sin.

Maintain a balanced perspective on physical intimacy and honor God in your relationships.

Appreciate the opportunity to confess and find forgiveness in God.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Rabbit Trails
01:06 Genesis
2:25 - Nakedness and Clothing
05:14 Quotes and Commentary on Nakedness
07:30 Clothing as a Medium
09:42 The Focus on the Spiritual
11:10 The Importance of the Heart
12:33 The Inside and Outside
15:16 Authority in Clothing Choices
17:49 Tattoos and the Medium as the Message
21:08 Shame and Fear
25:11 Covering Tattoos
32:42 Shame and Fear in Genesis 2 and 3
35:58 Self-Consciousness and Shame
38:03 Liberation in Jesus Christ
40:17 Finding the Real Self
42:10 The Need for God's Guidance
48:03 The Age of Accountability
51:22 The Connection Between Self-Awareness and Sin
53:26 The Significance of Clothing and Nakedness
59:32 Balancing the Physical and Spiritual Aspects of Intimacy
01:02:28 Living Between Genesis 2 and 3
01:04:13 The Glory of God's Nakedness
01:08:23 Gratitude for God's Provision
...more
1h 10min
November 30, 2023Episode 23: Mailbag & Marriage
We open the mailbag and then talk about marriage.
God's design for marriage in Genesis 2.

What constitutes a legitimate marriage?

What is the meaning of "one flesh" in marriage?

What's up with "Pinterest weddings"?

Marriage is God's idea and gift to mankind, not just a human institution.
You can connect with us at [email protected]
...more
1h 18min
November 16, 2023 Episode 22: Help, I'm Single! Part II
Here's a bonus round.
...more
10min
November 16, 2023Episode 22: Help, I'm Single! Part I
In this episode, Jonathan and George have an in-depth discussion about God's design for marriage and singleness. They provide biblical wisdom for those desiring marriage, encouragement for singles seeking purpose, and hope for those in difficult marriages.
Key topics covered include:
God's purpose in designing marriage, and how it should not become an idol

Embracing singleness as a season of undistracted service to God

Seeking godly counsel about a potential spouse, while still using wisdom

Handling discontentment and loneliness as a single person

Trusting God's grace in the midst of a challenging marriage

Finding fulfillment in Christ above one's marital status
With compassion and insight informed by Scripture, singles and married couples alike will find this a refreshing take on topics not often discussed from a biblical framework.
Email us at [email protected]
...more
1h 19min
November 02, 2023Episode 21: When God Says "No!"
Here is a summary of the key points from the conversation:
The meaning of "death" in Genesis 2:17 and whether Adam and Eve died spiritually or physically the day they ate the forbidden fruit.

The danger of desiring wisdom/knowledge that God has forbidden.

Holiness gives boldness in the face of evil, not the other way around.

Resisting the draw towards the darkness and occult and walk in the light of Christ.
Email us at [email protected]
...more
1h 17min
October 26, 2023Episode 21: Touching the Almighty, We Cannot Find Him Out
Pastor Jim Alter, Grace Baptist of Sidney, Ohio joins the guys for a mind-bending conversation about:
God's foreknowledge and man’s free will

Why God allowed evil/sin, hell, and people like Judas Iscariot to exist if He foreknew what would happen

Encouraging living out one's theology in godly obedience, not just debating theological concepts intellectually
Resources:
Pastor Alter's sermons: http://gracebaptistsidney.com/audio.html (scroll to the end)
Contact the podcast: [email protected]
...more
1h 23min
October 19, 2023Episode 20: Israel, Part II
We continue our discussion on Israel, this time from the eschatological perspective.
The conflict in Israel has prompted speculation about end times prophecy and the return of Christ. However, we must be careful not to force current events into Bible prophecies. Scripture should be the foundation.

Ezekiel 38-39 is often interpreted as Russia, Turkey and Iran invading Israel, but a close reading shows this may not be the case. The chapters seem to describe events at different points in the end times.

Gog and Magog's initial attack on Israel does not include Persia, Ethiopia and Libya. They join later after Gog takes over surrounding nations. This aligns with Daniel 11.

The common view of Russia, Turkey and Iran jointly invading Israel soon does not seem supported by Scripture. However, all nations will eventually gather at Armageddon.

We don't currently see the global landscape described for the Antichrist's rise to power (10 rulers). Much still has to happen before the full fulfillment of end times prophecy.

No matter how close we may be to Christ's return, our duty is to serve Him faithfully where we are with what He has called us to do.
Email us at [email protected]
...more
1h 7min
October 12, 2023Episode 19: Israel, Part I
Pastor Joel Greer from Branch Hill Baptist in Loveland, Ohio, joins us today. This episode, the first in a series about Israel-Hamas War, will focus on the geo-political background of Israel.
Discussion points include:
The history of the region from the Ottoman Empire to modern times.

Do modern Palestinians descend from ancient Philistines?
Would a "two-state solution" work?
Email us at [email protected]
...more
1h 35min

FAQs about Wits' End:

How many episodes does Wits' End have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.