Simply Put
Ligonier Ministries
Have you ever wished that someone would explain theology in a way that doesn’t require a degree or a dictionary? Maybe you’ve listened to a sermon and it seemed like the pastor was speaking another language. Or perhaps you’ve thought that the notes in your study Bible could use a commentary of their own. From imputation to justification, theophany to theodicy, keeping all these concepts straight can be a challenge for any believer. This is a short podcast about long words. Every week, Barry Cooper sheds light on a different biblical or theological term, using helpful illustrations to apply it to your life. Listen to this week’s episode to expand your understanding and deepen your faith, one word at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2025 • 6min
Adiaphora
How should we make choices on matters that are neither commanded nor forbidden by Scripture? Today, Barry Cooper considers how Christians should exercise the freedom that God has given us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/adiaphora/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Oct 14, 2025 • 6min
Hesed
To love others as we should, we first need to understand how deeply and irrevocably God loves His people. Today, Barry Cooper explains a Hebrew word that should profoundly affect our view of the Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/hesed/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Oct 7, 2025 • 5min
Gnosticism
What is the Christian view of the body? Do we need to be freed from the physical world in order to be truly spiritual? Today, Barry Cooper talks about an ancient philosophy that still leads many people to have wrong ideas about our physical bodies. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/gnosticism/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Sep 30, 2025 • 5min
The Teleological Argument
When we look at the intricate order, balance, and patterns that are intrinsic to life and the universe, is it rational to conclude that these things are the product of blind and random forces? Today, Barry Cooper considers a classic argument for our Creator’s existence. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-teleological-argument/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Sep 23, 2025 • 6min
Providence
Can God be both intimately involved in our lives and orchestrate a grand cosmic plan? Barry Cooper dives into the concept of providence, illustrating how even life's challenges serve a greater good. He references poignant scriptures, including Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 46:10, to paint a picture of divine foreknowledge. The discussion also tackles the complex issue of evil, arguing that even tragic events like the Crucifixion fit within God's purpose without making Him culpable. Join the exploration of faith and understanding!
Sep 16, 2025 • 7min
The Nicene Creed
Explore the historical significance of the Nicene Creed and its impact on Christian orthodoxy. The discussion dives into the theological clash between Arius and Athanasius, underlining the vital importance of affirming Christ's divine nature. Learn how creeds serve as protective markers against theological errors that could mislead the church. This episode sheds light on the rich legacy of early Christians and their efforts to maintain doctrinal purity.
8 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 6min
The Noetic Effects of Sin
Explore how sin impacts our thinking and understanding of truth. Discover the significance of loving God with your mind and the challenge it poses to our reasoning. Delve into the noetic effects of sin, which suggests that our intellect can be clouded by moral failings. The conversation emphasizes the need for a transformed mind to align with divine truths. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to renew their minds and reflect on their intellectual engagement with faith.
8 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 7min
Pentecost
Explore the fascinating transformation that Pentecost represents in the shift from law to spirit. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers believers, allowing them to spread their message beyond language barriers. Learn about the significance of the original Jewish Pentecost compared to the New Testament events. Uncover the gifts of deliverance and life granted to God's people at this pivotal moment. It's a deep dive into faith, empowerment, and divine gifts.
5 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 5min
Special Revelation
Discover the fascinating distinctions between general and special revelation. A child's painting is used to illustrate subjective perceptions of God. The discussion highlights limitations of general revelation and emphasizes the clarity that special revelation through Jesus Christ and Scripture provides. Dive into how God has specifically communicated His existence and nature to His creations in profound ways.
Aug 19, 2025 • 6min
The Eternity of God
Explore the fascinating concept of God's timeless nature and how it contrasts with our human experience of time. Delve into our innate desire to connect with eternity and how understanding this relationship can reshape our perspective on life. Discover insights on why eternity isn't merely a location for God, but rather where His essence resides. This discussion illuminates our longing for a reality that transcends temporal limitations, making us ponder what it means to exist beyond the confines of time.
