Reasonable Theology Podcast

We all love to be encouraged, and yet many of us fail to make regularly encouraging others a priority. If we were to grow in this area, we could have a tremendous impact in our families, communities, and churches. Would you like to become a more encouraging person?Listen as Pastor Mark Hallock discusses the importance of encouraging others and learn some practical steps we can take to become relentless encouragers.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:Why we need encouragers more than ever in our worldWhat Scripture has to say about how we bless others with our wordsCommon reasons we fail to regularly encourage othersWays we can misuse our words in discouraging and sinful waysSpecific ways that we can be an encouragement to someone elseHow to receive encouragement and compliments wellPractical tips for growing as an encouragerFor more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode25Get 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 book of 2 Peter provides us with three distinguishing marks of false teachers to watch out for.Recently I discussed these marks with Bill Arnold during his radio program on Faith Radio. Listen in as we discuss how to recognize and avoid wolves in sheep's clothing.Read an article on 3 Ways to Recognize a False TeacherCheck out Afternoons with Bill ArnoldSupport 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

What are the Five Solas, and what do they have to do with Reformed Theology?The “Five Solas” are Latin phrases that collectively served as foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a movement that began in the 1500’s and sought to “reform” the traditions and beliefs of Roman Catholicism.The Five Solas identified the distinctive theological positions held by the reformers and continue to serve as distinguishing characteristics of Reformed Theology.Listen and learn more about each of the Five Solas and what these doctrines teach about our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone and about our highest authority: Scripture alone.Learn More & Find Additional Resources.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 Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul calls the believer to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” This is a command for every Christian, and it is vital that we take up this armor on a daily basis in order to live as soldiers of Christ.As our guest Iaian Duguid points out, “the choice is not whether you will be a Christian soldier or a Christian civilian but whether you will be a prepared Christian soldier or an unprepared one.”Listen as Dr. Duguid discusses why many Christians lose sight of the spiritual battle we’re in and how we can stand firm against the enemy by putting on the whole armor of God.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:Why Dr. Duguid wrote The Whole Armor of GodThe context of this passage in Ephesians 6What the armor of God is and why it is essential for every believerWhy we do not need to be discouraged on the spiritual battlefieldHow the armor of God points us to Jesus ChristFor more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode24Get 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 his book Humble Calvinism, pastor and author J.A. Medders writes:"Many of us who love to love the “doctrines of grace” have not grown in showing grace. We have not become more gracious, kind, tender, and compassionate. And that can only mean one thing: we actually don’t know the doctrines of grace. Sure, we know the points and can rehearse the arguments ...But an arrogant and argumentative Calvinist is just a Pharisee with a fresh coat of paint."But it doesn't have to be this way. The term "humble Calvinism" should not be an oxymoron.On this episode, we discuss why a right understanding of Calvinism should cause us to be gracious, loving, and humble towards others.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:What Calvinism is and why a "humble Calvinist" seems like an oxymoron to manyWhy "cage-stage" Calvinism is such a prevalent issueSome keys to help us graciously hold to the Doctrines of GraceHow we can be zealous for the truth and be humble and gracious towards othersFor more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode23Get 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 aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, America was in a state of shock - faced with the realities of evil, terrorism, tragedy, uncertainty, and the prospect of war.America's preachers had the difficult task of comforting their congregations, speaking truth about God's sovereignty over all things, and instilling hope in the midst of a national crisis.On this episode of the podcast, we will have a unique opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11th through a sermon preached on Sunday, September 16th.This message from Alistair Begg is titled "The Day that Changed the Modern World," and the truths he brings from Scripture are relevant during any tragedy - both national and personal.In this message, Pastor Begg reminds us that life is frail, death is certain, man is depraved, and grace is necessary. For more preserved sermons from the days after 9/11, visit ReasonableTheology.org/911-sermonsGet 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

Pathfinders were small groups of specially trained paratroopers who jumped ahead of the rest of the force. Once on the ground, the job of the pathfinder was to mark the correct drop zone with signal beacons, flares, or specialized lanterns visible from the air. These men would literally light the way, allowing pilots and paratroopers alike to see exactly where they needed to land.In the midst of darkness and chaos, fear and danger, light provided a way for others to head in the right direction.  The Christian is to be such a light, a spiritual pathfinder pointing others to Jesus Christ.Read the article version of this bonus episodeSupport 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

Romans 8:28 tells us that "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This is perhaps the most popular verse from the most popular chapter of the most popular book in the New Testament – and yet it is often misunderstood.Unfortunately, what many people mean when they quote Romans 8:28 is a sort of “turn that frown upside down,” “When God closes a door He opens a window” mentality that ultimately proves to be very unhelpful.On this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast, we will examine the context of Romans 8:28 in order to determine its meaning. As we do, we will see that most people do not use this verse to promise too much, but too little.The point of Romans 8:28 is not that God is working out ‘all things’ to give you comfort in life, but that He is working out all things to bring you into conformity with Christ.As we examine this verse, we will see that we can endure any trial with hope, patience, and even joy as we stand firm on the promise that “for those who love God all things work together for good.” For more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode21Get 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

Where can we turn when the dark clouds of pain, suffering, and loss roll into our lives? Even for believers, times of difficulty can bring discouragement and despair and it can be hard to know how to respond in faith in the midst of frustration or heartbreak.Thankfully, the Bible gives us a clear means of dealing with our trials: the practice of lament. As our guest defines it, to lament is to turn to God in honest, desperate prayer, giving voice to the reality of our emotions—as intense and tumultuous as they may be. Ultimately, lament is an expression of faith in the God who hears our cries and responds with mercy and grace. Our guest pastor Mark Vroegop draws on examples from the Bible and his own story of loss to walk us through steps of lament (Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust). Learn more about the importance of lament from the author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:What lament is, and why it is so important to the Christian lifeWhat we gain from studying lament in ScriptureHow we can complain to God without sinning against HimHow a proper view of sorrow and lament enriches our view of hope and graceThe process of biblical lament: Turning to God, Bringing our Complaint, Asking Boldly, and Choosing to TrustEncouragement for the hurting ChristianFor more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode20Get 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

Children between 8 and 12 are at the critical age when they start to ask if Christianity is true. Additionally, our kids are being faced with challenges to their faith earlier than ever. How can we prepare them when they are young to enter into an increasingly secular world?On this episode of the podcast we talk with apologist and former cold case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace about why and how we should introduce kids to the reasons for the claims of Christianity.On This Episode We’ll Discuss:What apologetics is and why its importantHow our guest used his detective skills to examine the claims of ChristApologetics resources for training your kids how to think, not just what to thinkHow children's faith questions compare to those from adultsThe unique challenges and pressures today's children and youth faceAdvice on how to instill a Christian worldview in our childrenFor more resources and information, see the show notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Episode19Get 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