Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg explains that the first rule of prayer is to pray and the first rule of Bible reading is to read, then he answers questions about what it means to “pray about it,” overcoming a tendency to freeze up when asked a question, mistakenly claiming a promise, and finding fellowship.   Topics: Commentary: The first rule of prayer and Bible reading (00:00) What should “pray about it” look like in practice? (22:00) What can I do to overcome my tendency to freeze up when someone asks me a question? (34:00) If Old Testament promises don’t apply to us, why is it that when people mistakenly claim a promise in the Bible for themselves, it seems to work for them? (38:00) How can I put my identity in Christ and truly follow him if even those who are called by his name push me away while they themselves don’t seek him? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 21–22, in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH Related Links: Making Sense of Unanswered Prayer by Amy Hall

Dive into the fiery debate between Provisionism and Calvinism, uncovering the reasons behind the hostility. Explore the complexities of free will, salvation, and the role of grace in these differing views. A listener's perspective challenges the randomness of evolution, sparking a discussion on creationism and intelligent design. Gain insights into the critique of materialistic explanations, and ponder the interplay between science and theology, all while engaging in thought-provoking dialogues on faith and reasoning.

Jonathan Morrow, Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute and creator of the Refresh Roadmap course, shares insightful strategies for parents navigating their kids' screen time and social media. He emphasizes the crucial need for proactive involvement in managing technology use and discusses alarming statistics on its impact on mental health. Morrow also offers practical advice for establishing healthy boundaries, monitoring social media interactions, and the importance of equipping children for a digital world.

Explore four essential skills that can elevate your kids' maturity and responsibility. Delve into the philosophical debate on A-theory and B-theory of time and its implications for God's existence. Reflect on the dual identity of Christians as both sinners and saints, and learn how to engage thoughtfully with those attributing events to 'the universe.' Finally, discuss the value of early church teachings amidst their disagreements, highlighting the importance of grounding faith in Scripture.

Is prayer ineffective if God already knows the outcome of events? This intriguing question sparks a discussion on free will and divine omniscience. The morality of collective guilt is examined, challenging traditional views on Adam and Eve's decisions. Biblical interpretations around the afterlife are dissected, particularly in light of Lazarus's resurrection. Unique perspectives on the intertwining of non-physical and physical existence lead to a deeper understanding of the soul's relationship with the body. Mind-bending debates await you!

Exploring complex biblical interpretations, the discussion dives into the meaning of fear in Deuteronomy and grapples with the moral questions surrounding justice and bullying. Insights into engaging apathetic individuals are shared, emphasizing patience in spiritual conversations. The challenges of women leading in faith communities are addressed, alongside the intricate relationship between free will and divine sovereignty, offering guidance on discerning life's difficulties. Expect thoughtful reflections intertwined with personal anecdotes!

The discussion delves into whether animal death existed before the biblical fall or if it represents a fundamental change in God's creation. Strategies for engaging with adult children involved in political movements are highlighted, emphasizing respect and understanding. The podcast questions if faith requires dismissing the supernatural to avoid appearing foolish. Lastly, listeners receive advice on finding traditional, Bible-believing churches amidst a landscape of problematic congregations, focusing on the importance of community and spiritual nourishment.

The discussion dives into intriguing questions about what was reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice. It explores the biblical implications of numbers and addresses the humanity of the unborn, challenging pro-choice perspectives. Strategies for engaging those who feel self-sufficient without God are shared, highlighting our inherent spiritual needs. Lastly, the conversation tackles the challenge of truth in interpretations and critiques logical fallacies, promoting informed dialogue.

Natasha Crain, author of "When Culture Hates You," shares her journey from writing for children to tackling the pressing social issues Christians face today. She discusses navigating cultural hostility, the evolving definitions of the common good, and the complexities of Christian nationalism. Crain emphasizes the importance of a biblical understanding of identity and morality amidst society's changes. She also critiques the cultural narratives around the sexual revolution and urges thoughtful engagement in political discourse based on faith.

The discussion dives into the distinctions between infallibility and inerrancy, crucial for understanding Scripture's authority. Callers raise thought-provoking questions about enhancing pro-life arguments with biblical references. There's an intriguing examination of the fate of Old Testament saints after death. The conversation also navigates the balance between witnessing and employing tactical approaches when discussing faith, emphasizing the importance of context and timing in evangelism.