

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

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.

Aug 12, 2025 • 5min
Deism
Do you believe in a God who respects your personal space, one you can keep at arm’s length? Today, Barry Cooper explores the origins and impact of a philosophy that tries to place God at a safe distance. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/deism/ 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

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 5min
Miracles
Explore the true nature of miracles, distinguishing them from random occurrences and emphasizing their divine significance. Dive into biblical examples that reveal miracles as powerful signs meant to strengthen faith and reveal God's authority. Discover how miracles in the New Testament illuminate Jesus as the Messiah, but beware the temptation to focus solely on the miraculous; appreciate their role in deepening your understanding of God’s character.

Jul 29, 2025 • 5min
The Millennium
Christians have spent a lot of time mulling over the precise meaning of the thousand-year period spoken of in Revelation 20. Today, Barry Cooper explains the significance of the Millennium and the different views surrounding it. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-millennium/ 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

Jul 22, 2025 • 6min
The Final Judgment
What could be more appalling than living in a world where nothing really matters, where even the most extreme cruelty is met with vacuous silence? Today, Barry Cooper explains why God's judgment is actually something for which we should be thankful. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-final-judgment/ 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

Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
The Necessity of Scripture
If someone comes to us claiming to speak for God, how could we ever know whether they're telling the truth? Today, Barry Cooper shows why God's written Word is absolutely necessary if we are to know the life-giving truth of His Son. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-necessity-of-scripture/ 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