Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Join John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, as he discusses the powerful themes of the Truth Rising documentary. He explores the current civilizational crisis, calling for truth and courage among Christians amid societal pressures. Stonestreet shares inspiring stories of individuals standing firm in their beliefs and offers insights on effectively communicating the gospel, emphasizing the balance of recognizing sin and embracing grace.

Is it okay to quote a single verse? Yes, but understanding the context is crucial. The podcast dives into why Jesus chose not to heal everyone and what that reveals about His ministry. It also recommends essential study Bibles for those diving deeper into scripture. Listeners grapple with whether to persist in conversations with unresponsive individuals and explore if couples need to agree on every theological detail. These thoughtful discussions highlight both the joys and challenges of faith.

Delve into the compelling discussion of how free will interacts with the course of the universe. Explore the intriguing argument for Proverbs 21:30 as more than just religious rhetoric. Unpack the biblical account of drawing lots to receive divine guidance. Assess the necessity of grace in the sanctification process while wrestling with the question of why God receives credit for good, yet not blame for evil. This conversation challenges listeners to think critically about faith and the nature of divine influence in human affairs.

The show tackles the profound question of why God limits opportunities for repentance to this lifetime. It dives into perceived contradictions in Genesis and ponders the implications for infants who die before birth. Discussions also explore whether souls are created by God or parents. There are engaging inquiries about salvation, divine justice, and the nature of belief, sprinkled with personal anecdotes and theological reflections that prompt listeners to think deeply about faith and its mysteries.

Greg tackles objections to his perspective on recognizing God's voice, asserting its clarity. He discusses whether it's fair to thank God for his goodness when bad things don't happen and addresses penal substitutionary atonement as a longstanding concept. The conversation touches on the prophetic implications of recent events in Iran, sparking debates about biblical prophecy. Finally, a whimsical analogy about swapping porch boards leads to a deep dive into identity and the philosophical questions surrounding ownership and existence.

A unique exploration into our relationship with God highlights that it operates on His terms, not ours. The discussion unveils theological insights on Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the complexities surrounding God's response to prayers for salvation. Engaging callers, the host tackles logical fallacies in apologetics while emphasizing moral authority and the importance of understanding scripture relationally. The episode also encourages persistent prayer as a means of hope and transformation in faith.

The discussion dives into the philosophical arguments for God's existence, challenging listeners to consider the complexity of reality. Callers explore personal journeys toward belief in the supernatural and the significance of divine communication in their lives. The implications of the Big Bang theory spark a reflection on existence, while the problem of evil raises questions about morality. Insights into critical thinking and flawed assumptions encourage a deeper understanding of faith and reason, paving the way for ongoing conversations.

Alan Shlemon, a senior apologist at Stand to Reason, joins to tackle the pressing topics of transgenderism and the misconceptions surrounding Jesus' identity in the Gospels. He discusses how recent societal shifts have impacted discussions on gender identity and the potential consequences for youth. Shlemon also debunks the myth that the Gospel writers embellished Jesus' divine nature over time, asserting the reliability of their accounts and highlighting the consistency of Christological views from the earliest texts.

Delve into the transcendental argument for God's existence, arguing that without Him, concepts like truth and morality falter. Explore the scapegoat theory of atonement, scrutinizing contemporary interpretations against biblical foundations. Understand objections from atheists regarding intelligent design, comparing Dawkins' blind watchmaker to the concept of a blind beach-writer. Discover the philosophical implications behind scientific understanding, emphasizing rationality and objective morality in our discourse.

Explore the intriguing debate on what it means to hear the voice of God, with insights that challenge common perceptions. Greg offers tools for engaging family members about the morality of anger toward politicians. He emphasizes the clarity of God's communication through Scripture while unpacking the complexities of divine relationships. The conversation also highlights the importance of moral accountability and the role of faith in familial discussions. Engaging examples and practical questions are shared to deepen understanding.