Theocast

Many of you have probably prayed the prayer of Paul: “Lord, please take this away from me.” Not just once, but many times. It can become exhausting, frustrating, and even lead to doubt. That’s why today’s podcast is so important. We need to talk about trials and God’s grace, and how the two go together. What promise do we actually have from God? We dive deep into the reality of His love for us, especially how it’s not transactional, even in the midst of our suffering. We hope this encourages you. And if you find it helpful, please share it with someone. It might give them strength and hope in their own season of suffering. 9 Marks Church Matters Journal Giveaway! JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

In this life, we’re offered all kinds of reasons and purposes to live. But when you try them, you often realize that, in the end, you’re still weak, still unsatisfied, and still not measuring up. Then comes the question: “What is the purpose of my life? Why am I even here?” That’s a really tough place to be. This episode connects closely to last week’s: “Jesus Knows You’re Tired.” So what now? Do we just give up? Is that the message of Christ? No. He gives us new hope, a new identity, and a new purpose. And it’s in our weakness that we find our greatest significance. That’s what today’s episode is all about. We hope it encourages you. LAST EPISODE: “JESUS KNOWS YOU’RE TIRED” JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Discover the concept of arrival fallacy in faith, where struggles continue even as we seek spiritual milestones. The hosts dive deep into the reality of suffering, contrasting prosperity gospel myths with the true path of growth through trials. They emphasize the ongoing battle with sin and the necessity of community support in facing challenges. Through discussions on grace, accountability, and the importance of relying on Christ, listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their faith journey.

Discover the biblical insights on resisting spiritual attacks, featuring James 4 and Ephesians 4. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and grace in battling worldly influences. Explore the impact of pietism versus the grace of Christ, and learn how true Christian rest comes from understanding the gospel. The need for gospel-centered strength against adversity is highlighted, stressing prayer and awareness. Finally, delve into the church's vital role in fostering unity and spiritual protection for believers.

Should we be brute-forcing sanctification? Are we relying on our own strength to produce holiness? The American church often places heavy emphasis on the growth of the Christian—living each day simply to behave better than the day before—instead of emphasizing trust and rest in the finished work of Christ. It becomes more about avoiding sin than clinging to Jesus. In today’s episode, Jon and Justin are joined by a panel of pastors from the recent Grace Reformed Network 2025 General Assembly conference. Together, we discuss key doctrinal failings within the broader American church and how the Holy Spirit truly brings about sanctification in us. GRN Website JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

In Reformed circles, we can be wary of the word experience—often for good reason. Emotional manipulation and manufactured moments have led many to question what’s truly spiritual. But Scripture is clear: God promises His supernatural presence in the gathering of His people. Church is an encounter with the living God—a true spiritual experience where our souls are fed and refreshed. In this episode, we explore how God meets us in real, tangible ways and why we should expect to walk away encouraged by Him. GRN Website JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Today, Justin and Jon want to cover two passages that often confuse or even hurt people. One is Jeremiah 29:11—about your future. You might be wondering how that verse applies to you, especially if everything is going horribly—or even if everything is going great and you're attributing it to that promise. We’re going to talk about that verse, and also Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Our goal is to help you read these passages properly—and more importantly, to see Christ in them and trust in His sufficiency. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

"Examine yourselves to determine whether or not you are in the faith." Have you ever heard those verses raised? We have here at Theocast—especially because of how we talk about Jesus, His sufficiency, and the reality that He has done everything necessary for us to have peace with God. People sincerely ask, “Brothers, what about the call to self-examination?” Jon and Justin are going to have that conversation today. Self-examination is good, but what we’re examining might be different than what you’ve been told. It’s not so much about what we do—it’s about what we believe and who we trust. Justin's Sermon in John 19 JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

The discussion centers around Costi Hinn's thoughts on Christian hypocrisy, emphasizing the need for true obedience in faith. The hosts delve into the dangers of 'cheap grace' within the prosperity gospel framework, advocating for genuine evidence of belief. They also clarify the distinction between law and gospel, while highlighting justification through faith alone. Additionally, the conversation explores grace's transformative power and the struggle against self-righteousness, urging reliance on Christ over personal performance.

Explore the intriguing trend of individuals leaving evangelicalism for Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism in search of authenticity and sacredness in worship. Dive into the historical disconnect brought on by Enlightenment thinking and critique the commercialized nature of modern spirituality. Discover the tension between pietism and confessionalism, and the yearning for deeper truths within Christian faith today. Finally, reflect on the Reformation's foundational teachings and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in personal and communal worship.