Theocast

In today’s episode, Jon and Justin talk about the accusations of Satan that often go undetected. We are conditioned to think that the evil one’s accusations look a certain way, but he is subtle and deceitful. Just by virtue of the fact that we live in the world (which is influenced by Satan), there are ways we think that cause us to question our legitimacy at every turn. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk very personally about their own battles with shame and guilt that have nothing at all to do with what God has revealed in Scripture. Resources: Grace Reformed Network Charter Meeting Information FREE EBOOK SUPPORT Theocast YOUTUBE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Does too much grace lead to sin? Quite the opposite, actually. It is the preaching of Christ that leads to repentance. The right division of the law and the gospel--and the heralding of the mercy and grace of God--produces repentance in the saints. These things build a culture in a local church where it is safe to confess real sin. All of this fosters real sanctification. Jon and Justin talk about this on today’s episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about mercy, grace, confession, and forgiveness in the church amongst the saints. The guys also consider that the holier and more mature Christians become, the more gentle, patient, and merciful they become. Resources: FREE EBOOK SUPPORT Theocast YOUTUBE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

What is the gospel? Sadly, the answer many church-going people would give has a lot to do with us. This has left some self-righteous and proud. This has left many anxious and fearful. The gospel, however, is the message about what Jesus alone has secured for sinners: the forgiveness of sins, imputed righteousness, and an eternal inheritance. Note: Semper Reformanda is included as part of the regular episode FREE EBOOK: https://theocast.org/product/faithvsfaithfulness/ SUPPORT Theocast: https://theocast.org/give/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/theocast FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theocast_org INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theocast_org/   Resources: Our episode on Introduction to Law/Gospel Distinction Our episode on What Is (and Is Not) the Gospel Our episode on The Prove Yourself Gospel Our episode on Why the Gospel Terrifies Christians Our episode on Following Jesus Is Not the Gospel

Jon and Justin revisit the first episode they ever recorded together, “The Dark Side of Christianity.” If we are going to live honest and helpful lives in the church, we have to acknowledge that things often feel dark. Where does this darkness come from? It comes from the corruption of our flesh, and it comes from the work of the evil one. The guys talk about both in this episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin go a little bit deeper into the realities of the demonic realm and spiritual warfare. Resources: “The Bruised Reed” by Richard Sibbes “The Whole Armor of God” by Iain Duguid Our episode on Romans 7 Our episode - Christian, There Will Be Sin

In the church, we are to preach the gospel indiscriminately to all mankind. God is in the business of saving very sinful people, and if we’re honest, this can be hard for us. Alongside this, once we are saved into the church, we lock arms with other believers in order to live lives of faithfulness and holiness. Here is the rub: the church can be grossly misunderstood in both facets of its life--in both the free offer of Christ to sinners and in the practice of piety and discipline. Jon and Justin discuss all of this in today’s episode. Semper Reformanda: In light of our understanding of the gospel and the need for compassion toward fellow sinners, Jon and Justin consider several questions: Should Christians be pacifists? What about the rule of law? Are we just enabling abusive behavior? The guys also talk about encountering harm and hatred for Christ’s name. Resources: “The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters” by Sinclair Ferguson Our episode: Why the Gospel Terrifies Christians Our episode: Who Does the Gospel Offend Grace Reformed Network - Charter Meeting Information, October 2023

If you listen to many in the church today, you would think that the purpose of the Christian life is abstinence from sin. Is that really it? Jon and Justin talk about what we are called to in the Christian life. Because of what Jesus has done, because we have rest, because we have been filled, we now go and serve and love. What does it mean to live as an ambassador of the kingdom of Christ? Why is it that we should seek to be spent for the cause of Christ? Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about getting up every day and continuing on in the fight. How do we do that? Then, the guys talk about sanctification--ways it has often been presented and what it is really about. It is a fun conversation, including a reference to an old hymn, “Stand Up for Jesus”!

In today’s episode, Jon and Justin consider why it is that we can’t stop sinning. There has been debate about Romans 7 throughout the history of the church--as to whether Paul is writing as a Christian or not. (Disclaimer: It is our position that he is writing as a Christian.) The guys spend some time in the text of Romans 7 and then go on to consider the experience of sinner-saints in this fallen world. Truer words have never been written about the Christian experience than Romans 7. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about their presumptions as preachers. What do they understand about themselves and about their people? How does this affect preaching? If we are sinner-saints, what do we need to hear when we gather on Sundays? Resources: Justin’s Sermon: Truer Words Have Never Been Written (Romans 7:7-20) Justin’s Sermon: The Cry of Every Believer (Romans 7:21-25)

In today’s episode, Jon and Justin have another conversation related to end-times theology. This time, the guys consider the perspective that the church is to be ushering in a golden age prior to Christ’s return--that through the faithfulness of the church, things will continue to get better and better. Is this what the Bible teaches? How does this perspective affect the method and messaging of the church? Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss whether movements like Christian Reconstructionism and Christian Nationalism are related to prosperity theology. And what about persecution? Is it a good thing? Should we pray for it and seek it out? Resources: Our episode on Two Kingdoms w/ David VanDrunen Our episode on the Reformed Response to Theonomy

In today’s episode, Jon and Justin talk about the end times. For many in the church, the conversation about last things--and the return of Christ--has been steeped in fear. The return of the Savior is presented as a frightful thing for the believer, and this is supposed to motivate us to action. The New Testament presentation is different. The return of Christ is meant to both give the believer hope and motivate us to action now. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin continue the conversation on last things by considering heavenly reward and a judgment according to works. The guys also touch on the “other-worldliness” of confessionalism.

In the second of two episodes on theonomy, Jon and Justin consider some of the practical fallout of theonomy: the gospel tends to be obscured, the mission of the church is confused, and burdens are placed on the saints that we were never meant to bear. How should we respond pastorally to these concerns and the assertions of theonomy? Note: Semper Reformanda is included in today’s episode. Resources: 1689 Baptist Perspective: Confessionalism and Theonomy Why is Theonomy Unbiblical? Is the Law Relevant Today? Covenant Theology: Introduction & Overview