The hosts tackle the culture's relentless attack on the Church, urging believers to respond with biblical truth. They humorously bid farewell to a signature greeting while discussing upcoming events and their new book on climate change. Exploring issues like 'Christless Christianity' and moral decline, they emphasize the need to uphold biblical masculinity and sound doctrine. The conversation challenges listeners to reclaim genuine faith amidst societal shifts, critiquing the deconstruction movement and advocating for a return to core biblical values.
The podcast signals a shift in content delivery by retiring a traditional greeting, indicating a willingness to evolve and engage listeners with fresh material.
The hosts highlight the growing cultural rejection of biblical principles, likening it to a Romans 1 situation, which underscores the urgent need for believers to stand firm in their faith.
The discussion emphasizes the necessity for Christians to understand and engage with biblical apologetics, preparing them to defend their faith in today's cultural climate.
The hosts critique the deconstruction phenomenon within evangelical circles, asserting that it often reflects a rejection of God's authority while emphasizing the importance of adherence to sound doctrine.
Deep dives
The Retirement of Tradition
The podcast announces the retirement of a traditional greeting used by one of the hosts, marking a shift in their content delivery. The hosts reflect on how this long-standing phrase had developed a life of its own and became a trademark of their introductions. They emphasize that while this change may disappoint some listeners, it signals the beginning of new and fresh content. This decision to retire the greeting demonstrates a willingness to evolve and adapt as they continue to create engaging episodes.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
The hosts discuss their busy schedules, highlighting a significant number of speaking engagements for the upcoming year. They share specific events where they will be speaking, such as the National Christian Conference on Sexual Exploitation and the Ligonier National Conference. During these engagements, they aim to connect with their audience and share their ministry insights. They express gratitude for their listeners' understanding as they balance their podcasting responsibilities with these speaking opportunities.
Cultural Rejection of God
The podcast delves into the cultural dynamics showing a widespread rejection of God, likening it to a Romans 1 situation. The hosts dissect the implications of this rejection on contemporary issues such as abortion and marriage, noting that common sense is often disregarded in political discussions. They identify a growing disconnect between the church and societal values, emphasizing that true biblical principles are becoming increasingly marginalized. This cultural shift illustrates a spiritual decline and an urgent need for believers to stand firm in their faith.
The Importance of Biblical Apologetics
Biblical apologetics are highlighted as essential for understanding and responding to the cultural climate. The hosts stress the need for believers to engage with culture through a biblical lens, emphasizing that believers must be prepared to defend their faith. They argue that every Christian is called to be an apologist, whether good or bad, and must actively learn to navigate discussions regarding faith. This responsibility includes recognizing the distinct separation between the church and the world, and the appropriate responses to societal issues.
Deconstruction and Its Consequences
The conversation shifts to the phenomenon of deconstruction within evangelical circles, especially in light of cultural pressures. The hosts explore how individuals often deconstruct their faith primarily around issues like sexuality and societal acceptance, leading to a departure from biblical truths. They contend that this process often reflects a rejection of God's authority in favor of personal desires and a distorted understanding of freedom. Ultimately, they highlight that true faith is incompatible with deconstruction that seeks to justify sin.
The Role of Sound Doctrine
Sound doctrine is presented as a crucial element for pastors and believers alike to navigate today’s spiritual landscape. The hosts reference H.B. Charles’s insights on the need for structured teaching of sound doctrine as a means to endure challenges. They emphasize that understanding scripture fully equips believers to avoid ungodly behavior and to uphold their duties as Christians. The call to prioritize sound doctrine serves as a foundational truth that should guide all aspects of church life and personal faith.
Religious Faith in America
A discussion on the article regarding the role of religious faith in American freedom highlights differing interpretations of what faith constitutes. The hosts critically analyze the notion that any faith can sustain freedom, arguing for the necessity of a specific faith rooted in biblical Christianity. They underscore the danger of adopting an inclusive perspective that treats all religious beliefs as equally valid without recognizing the truth of the gospel. This tendency to dilute the essence of faith reflects a broader crisis within American evangelicalism that undermines its foundational convictions.
Personal Reflections on Shepherd's Conference
The podcast reflects on the recent Shepherd's Conference, noting the absence of John MacArthur due to health issues. The hosts express their appreciation for the fellowship and insights gained during the conference, highlighting the preaching and teachings of various speakers. They reflect on the significance of MacArthur's ministry in their lives and the impact it has had on countless others. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of continued growth and encouragement among believers in pursuit of truth.
The Church is under relentless attack from the culture. That reality should not be surprising to believers in Christ. But how should professing Christians respond biblically to those spiritual, theological, ideological, and philosophical attacks? In this 'freestyle' episode, Darrell and Virgil discuss some of the ways the culture, or what Jesus refers to in John 17:9 as "the world," aims to undermine the gospel and how we can respond to those attacks with the truth.
