

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

5 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 6min
The Creation Mandate
Discover how every job has intrinsic value and aligns with God's purpose. The discussion emphasizes the Creation Mandate and how it transforms mundane tasks into a divine calling. By viewing work through a lens of faith, listeners learn to reclaim their sense of purpose and fulfillment. This perspective challenges contemporary views on dissatisfaction in the workplace, offering a refreshing take on everyday responsibilities.

Feb 11, 2025 • 5min
The Ontological Argument
Dive into a fascinating discussion about Anselm's ontological argument, which asserts that if God exists, then He must exist necessarily. The conversation unpacks the concept of a maximally great being, making complex philosophical ideas relatable and accessible. Listeners will enjoy the blend of deep thought and everyday examples as they explore the implications of existence and belief.

Feb 4, 2025 • 6min
The Rapture
For more than 1,800 years, Christians understood “the rapture” to be the blissful moment of Jesus’ second coming. But within the last century and a half, a new interpretation emerged. Today, Barry Cooper helps us consider what the Bible says about the rapture of Christ’s church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-rapture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jan 28, 2025 • 5min
Apostles
Delve into the pivotal role of the apostles as foundational witnesses in Christianity. Discover the criteria for their authority and how their firsthand experiences with Jesus shaped the faith. Explore the uniqueness of their status, which sets them apart from modern figures, and learn why contemporary claims to apostolic authority fall short. The discussion also critiques red letter Bibles for potentially diminishing the significance of the apostles' writings. It's a fascinating look at a crucial aspect of Christian history!

Jan 21, 2025 • 7min
Faith
In and of itself, faith isn’t necessarily a virtue. It all depends on what we have faith in. Today, Barry Cooper explains that the reason it is proper to put our faith in Christ is because Christ is perfectly good and perfectly trustworthy. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/faith/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jan 14, 2025 • 6min
Covenant
The central “spine” of the Bible can be described in a single word: covenant. Today, Barry Cooper expounds on these recurring agreements, pledges, and vows that culminate in the promised arrival of Christ Himself. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/covenant/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jan 7, 2025 • 8min
Disciple
Peter denied Jesus by declaring, "I do not know the man." That's exactly what Christ calls us to do to our old lives when He commands us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Today, Barry Cooper invites us to count the cost of being Jesus' disciples. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/disciple/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Dec 31, 2024 • 7min
Omniscience
Nothing is hidden from the mind of God—past, present, or future—so nothing can surprise or confuse Him. Today, Barry Cooper introduces us to God’s attribute of omniscience. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/omniscience/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Dec 24, 2024 • 7min
The Gifts of the Spirit
Some Christians seem to think that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given only to some believers. But the whole sweep of Scripture points in the opposite direction. Today, Barry Cooper discusses how God has empowered all of His people for ministry. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-gifts-of-the-spirit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Dec 17, 2024 • 6min
Regeneration
Defibrillators are not self-operated. Neither can the spiritually dead make themselves alive to Christ. Today, Barry Cooper helps us consider our need for someone else to apply the paddles to cause our spiritual hearts to beat. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/regeneration/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts