

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

Apr 29, 2025 • 6min
The Kingdom of God
The Lord reigns as King over all things. Yet, there is another sense in which the kingdom of God has not yet fully come. Today, Barry Cooper considers the meaning behind the metaphors pertaining to God’s kingdom. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-kingdom-of-god/ 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

Apr 22, 2025 • 4min
Messiah / Christ
Far from being Jesus' last name, "Christ" is a title that carries immense meaning. Today, Barry Cooper tells of the glory that Jesus bears as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/messiah-christ/ 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

Apr 15, 2025 • 6min
The Abrahamic Covenant
What does a Mesopotamian sheep herder from 4,000 years ago have to do with us? Today, Barry Cooper explains how God’s promise to Abraham reveals the good news of Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-abrahamic-covenant/ 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

Apr 8, 2025 • 6min
Adoption
It has become a cliché to say, “We’re all God’s children.” But actually, that isn’t true. Today, Barry Cooper articulates the extraordinary privilege Christians have in being adopted into the family of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/adoption/ 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

Apr 1, 2025 • 6min
The Apostles' Creed
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-apostles-creed/ 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

Mar 25, 2025 • 5min
Glory
A significant part of our lives is driven by the pursuit of two words: “Well done.” Today, Barry Cooper observes that the pursuit of glory is not a bad thing—as long as we’re seeking it in the right place. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/glory/ 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

Mar 18, 2025 • 8min
Sin
When we sin, we strive to substitute our own authority for God’s. Today, Barry Cooper explains what makes our sin so devastating and points to another substitution as our only source of hope. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/sin/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 11, 2025 • 7min
Ordo Salutis
What steps take place in the salvation of a Christian? Today, Barry Cooper provides an encouraging reminder that God’s redemption of His people is an unstoppable process. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/ordo-salutis/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 4, 2025 • 6min
The Communicable Attributes of God
There’s a good way of wanting to be like God—and a very bad way. Today, Barry Cooper identifies the ways we can, and ought to, imitate God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-communicable-attributes-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Feb 25, 2025 • 6min
Hermeneutics
Jesus is the lens through we must look if we are to understand the Scriptures properly. Today, Barry Cooper emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible as it was meant to be interpreted. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/hermeneutics/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts