

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

7 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 7min
Priest
Explore the profound access believers have to God through Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest. Discover the role of Old Testament priests and how Christ's unique sacrifice forever atoned for sin. Delve into the idea that all Christians are now part of a royal priesthood with direct access to God. Learn about the significance of spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament, including living holy lives and offering praise. Experience the privilege of approaching God freely, as a beloved child approaches a father.

5 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 5min
Prophet
Explore the intriguing role of prophets in reminding Israel of their covenant obligations. Delve into how all prophets, including Jesus, point to a greater fulfillment. Discover Peter's testimony in Acts, revealing the prophetic witness to Jesus’ mission. Learn how Jesus embodies God's revelation, confirming his prophetic identity through miracles. Finally, hear about Jesus’ unique call to repentance, urging people to turn to him for reconciliation, distinguishing him from earlier prophets.

6 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 6min
The Inspiration of Scripture
Explore the profound idea that the Bible is God-breathed and carries divine authorship. Delve into the differences between ordinary inspiration and the unique inspiration of Scripture. Discover how every word holds authority, emphasizing that all parts of the Bible, not just the red-letter texts, reflect God's voice. Barry Cooper unpacks plenary inspiration, highlighting that while human authors contribute their styles, the true message is divinely orchestrated. Join the revelation that Scripture's reliability extends down to its very words and tenses.

Dec 23, 2025 • 7min
High Places
All of the world's idols demand that we make endless sacrifices for them. But only Jesus has accomplished the ultimate sacrifice we need. Today, Barry Cooper explains how the idols we encounter in the Old Testament are far more relevant than we realize. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/high-places/ 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
Dec 16, 2025 • 7min
Ad Fontes
Barry Cooper dives into the Reformation's rallying cry to return to the original sources of wisdom found in Scripture. He emphasizes the significance of studying the original languages to avoid translation errors. The discussion highlights the efforts of figures like Tyndale and Luther in making Scripture accessible to everyone. Notably, Cooper ties the drive for accurate translations to key theological debates, urging listeners to engage with the Bible directly. A call to prioritize personal study of Scripture wraps up this insightful exploration.

Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
Sacrament
The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper help the church to see spiritual realities that would otherwise be hidden from us. Today, Barry Cooper addresses how these visible depictions of the gospel stir up our faith in Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/sacrament/ 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

Dec 2, 2025 • 7min
Perseverance
No one who is truly united to Christ can ever be snatched from the hand of God. Today, Barry Cooper examines an encouraging truth: when God gives someone the gift of saving faith, He will preserve that faith to the end. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/perseverance/ 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

Nov 25, 2025 • 6min
Hallelujah
This word of praise erupts out of the final chapters of the book of Psalms and of the book of Revelation. Today, Barry Cooper explores a word that calls us to marvel at the self-sustaining, eternally existing, utterly transcendent nature of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/hallelujah-2/ 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

Nov 18, 2025 • 6min
Amen
Christians all over the world regularly use this word, but what does it actually mean? Today, Barry Cooper explores the significance of "amen" and how this ancient word is intimately connected to Jesus. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/amen/ 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

Nov 11, 2025 • 6min
Apocrypha
Why do some Bibles include 15 extra books that are not found in other Bibles? Today, Barry Cooper digs into the history behind these books and considers what role they should serve in the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/apocrypha/ 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


