Reasonable Theology Podcast

The subject of sin is not a comfortable topic for study or discussion. Even so, there is great value in understanding the problem of sin, as it is by having a right understanding of the problem we are able to effectively fight against it and appreciate what Christ has done for us.On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Mark Jones, who uses his knowledge of the works of the Puritans to guide others into a greater understanding of the problem of and solution to our indwelling sin.Mark Jones is the author of the book Knowing Sin: Seeing A Neglected Doctrine Through The Eyes Of The Puritans.I trust that you will find this conversation an encouragement to renew your fight against sin while relying more fully on the finished work of Jesus Christ to do so.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:Why Mark wanted to write a book on the topic of sinHow the Puritans can help us better understand our sinfulness and Christ’s provision for our weaknessParticular Puritan works that we can all benefit fromHow the average Christian misunderstands sinThe differences between sins of omission and sins of commissionHow having a greater understanding of sin deepens our Christian lifeEncouragements we have from Puritan works for fighting sinSee the show notes, additional resources, and a full transcript at ReasonableTheology.org/KnowingSinGet a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

There is no joy on Easter Sunday without the sorrow of Good Friday. There is no resurrection without the cross. And there is no salvation without them both. Without the events of Sunday morning the events of Friday afternoon were merely a terrible tragedy.The cross was necessary, as it was here Christ bore the wrath of God against sin and took the full weight of its punishment so that our debt of sin against God could be paid in full. Romans 5:10 says “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”The Resurrection was necessary, for a dead Savior cannot save anyone. As we read in Romans 4:25, Christ “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”That Christ rose from the dead three days later proves that His sacrifice for sin was accepted by the Father and that Jesus truly has power over both sin and death. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is who Scripture says He is!Listen to this sermon on Matthew 28 to gain a fuller appreciation for the reality of the Resurrection, the reactions people had and have to this reality, and the right response to the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.See the full transcript of this episode at ReasonableTheology.org/EasterGet a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

This is a 'best of' rebroadcast of the most popular episode of the podcast last year.  If you missed it, you'll want to listen to this conversation with Dr. Ray Rhodes Jr about the love story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.In 1871, Charles Spurgeon wrote to his wife, Susannah "My Own Dear one - None know how grateful I am to God for you. In all I have ever done for Him, you have a large share. For in making me so happy you have fitted me for service. Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more, and never less, for your sweet companionship. The Lord God Almighty bless you now and forever!"On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ray Rhodes, Jr. returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.On this episode we'll discuss: How Charles and Susannah first metWhat their courtship looked like in Victorian EnglandHow Susannah adjusted to life with the famous preacherSusannah's contributions to Charles' ministryHow Charles ministered to Susannah in their homeThe lasting lessons we can take from their marriageSee the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode38Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

The reliability of Scripture is among the most important truths that the field of apologetics deals with. In this radio interview I discuss four important areas of evidence to be familiar with when defending the Bible's authenticity.Listen as we talk about why we can trust that our Bibles have been faithfully preserved from the original writings until now.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:The vast number of early manuscripts we have - Scripture is by far the best attested of all ancient writingsThe archaeological support of Biblical people, places, and eventsHow  we know the writings were faithfully preservedWhen the New Testament accounts were written (and why that matters) Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/reliableGet a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

In the 2nd chapter of Luke’s gospel we find the familiar passage recounting the birth of Jesus and the angelic announcement of “good news of great joy” to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night.As remarkable as this passage is its familiarity can cause us to look without seeing and hear without listening. When we come to familiar passages in our Bibles we have a tendency to read quickly over them, assuming that we have gained as much as we can from them already. And so my hope is that we will approach these verses – as much as possible – with a fresh perspective, eager to take in all of the wonder and amazement that we ought to have as we reflect on the truth that God took on flesh and dwelt among us. Let us behold the wondrous mystery that the 2nd person of the Trinity would condescend to be made in the likeness of sinful flesh and enter the world in such humble fashion. That while we were still enemies with God He came to seek and to save that which was lost.May we never lose sight that He is Savior. He is the Christ. He is the Lord.And as we keep these remarkable truths before us, we will be unable to do anything other than gaze upon our Savior in wonder; to eagerly share the good news of great joy with others; and to praise, glorify, and worship Christ our King. Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode47Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

Every pastor knows the unique challenges of facing critics in their church. The question is, how should they respond to criticism?On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Nick Thompson, who is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee and co-author with Joel Beeke of the book Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry.Listen in as we discuss how pastors can lovingly respond to critics, learn from constructive criticism, and withstand unjust criticism in the church.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:The danger of pastors not being prepared for and not knowing how to respond to criticsPlaces in Scripture we see leaders face criticismThe role critics play in the sanctification of the pastorPractical ways that pastors and ministry leaders can respond wellWhy criticism isn’t always a bad thingHow pastors can become resilient to criticism without hardening themselves against helpful feedbackHow we as believers can be encouragers of our pastors rather than discouragers Listen & See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/criticsGet a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

After more than 2000 years, Jesus Christ remains the most influential figure in all of human history – even by secular standards! Examining the impact that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has had on the world is helpful in establishing the reliability of the events recorded in the Bible. In fact, you can confirm the historicity and deity of Jesus from history alone, without relying on the New Testament manuscripts.Join former detective J. Warner Wallace and me as we discuss the incredible impact of and the undeniable evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:How J. Warner Wallace went from homicide detective to Christian apologistWhat the phrase “person of interest” means in police work and in relation to JesusHow a “no body” investigation mirrors the investigation into the resurrection of JesusWhy Wallace’s “fuse and fallout” approach helps validate the claims of the GospelsThe importance of historical records outside the BibleWhy every believer should be familiar with common objections to ChristianitySee the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode45Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

The preaching of the Word of God is a vital means of edifying, equipping, and encouraging believers and proclaiming salvation to the lost. But much of what passes for preaching in our day fails to stay tethered to the truth Scripture and instead focuses on man's ideas and methods.This is why expository preaching, or the comprehensive explanation of a Bible passage in which the text dictates the content of the sermon, is so vitally important. It is Scripture that "is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), and so the task of the preacher is not to entertain or provide his wisdom but to explain and expound the text.Listen as we talk with Pastor David Strain about the importance of expository preaching and how we can grow by sitting under good preachers.On This Episode We'll DiscussWhat expository preaching is (and isn't)Why expository preaching is the most helpful means of preachingHow our view of Scripture impacts our idea of what "good preaching" isHistorical examples of great expository preachersContemporary examples of great expository preachersHow we all can get more out of the sermons we listen to on SundaysSee the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode44Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I'll share a 3-step process I learned from one of my seminary professors. This process, he joked, was a secret that could save you $36,000 and several years of effort by eliminating the need for a master’s degree in counseling.The “secret” 3-step process is simple. It is to guide the conversation through three phases: External, Internal, and Eternal.Learn more here: https://reasonabletheology.org/a-3-step-process-for-having-spiritual-conversations/Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

Attacks against the truth and reliability of Scripture are commonplace. Skeptical scholars have become mainstream, entertainment media mocks believers, and YouTube and podcasting have given a platform to just about anyone wanting to promote their arguments against Scripture and the Christian faith.Many of these attacks focus on a single assertion: the Bible is an ancient book written and assembled by flawed men with particular agendas.So can we trust that what is contained in the Bible is really God's Word? Listen as we speak with Bible scholar and translator Dr. Bill Mounce about why we can trust the Bible and the truth claims it makes.On this episode we’ll discuss:Common questions believers and non-believers ask about the reliability of ScriptureWhy skepticism is increasing in today's cultureWhy believers should not shy away from having and asking sincere questionsHow we can be better equipped to answer tough questionsReasons we can trust the reliability of our BiblesWhy Dr. Mounce personally trusts his BibleSee the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode43Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE