Truth Unites

Gavin Ortlund explores the powerful concept of Jesus's ongoing intercession, shedding light on its significance for believers. He discusses whether this intercession is verbal or symbolic, bridging the gap between Christ's earthly prayers and His heavenly advocacy. Through rich theological insights, he connects intercession to atonement, showing how it sustains believers daily. With vivid case studies, Ortlund illustrates Christ's compassionate pleas for individuals facing temptation, exhaustion, and doubt, offering profound assurance of His continual support.

A thought-provoking discussion unfolds around Jon Stewart's candor on faith and the problem of evil. Gavin Ortlund argues for the social benefits of religion while critiquing secular views. He challenges the idea of neutrality in creation, referencing fine-tuning and design. The crux of the conversation centers on how the problem of evil poses a deeper dilemma for atheism. Drawing on Dostoevsky, he emphasizes the necessity of God for moral outrage and hope, ultimately highlighting Jesus' incarnation as a source of comfort in suffering.

Gavin Ortlund dives into the fascinating world of Christian unity, emphasizing a biblically grounded perspective on catholicity. He proposes that Protestantism serves as a renewal within the church rather than a replacement. Through historical examples, he argues that schisms are internal divisions, with genuine church presence observable across diverse traditions. Ortlund makes a strong case for a liberal ecclesiology that recognizes valid churches based on spiritual fruit, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of faith.

Discover the impactful 1931 conversation that brought C.S. Lewis closer to Christianity, thanks to Tolkien's insights. Explore how human storytelling raises profound spiritual questions about good and evil. Hear examples from film and literature that highlight a recurring moral pattern in narratives. Delve into the debate between Lewis, Tolkien, and Dyson about myth and truth. Learn how Lewis came to see the gospel as a true myth and reflect on the notion that every story ultimately points back to a transcendent truth.

Dr. Jordan Cooper, a Reformed pastor, and Dr. Michael Horton, a theologian and author, engage in a spirited discussion about Sola Scriptura and the contrast between Protestant and Catholic perspectives on tradition. They clarify misconceptions around Scripture's authority and debate whether doctrines like purgatory originated from apostolic teaching. Further, they critique papal claims of infallibility, emphasizing historical and theological implications. The conversation unwraps how modern doctrines may deviate from biblical origins, highlighting the need for clear doctrinal standards.

Gavin Ortlund dives into the intriguing debate over Isaiah 53, arguing that the ‘suffering servant’ is an individual rather than corporate Israel. He presents compelling reasons: the servant’s saving role, inherent innocence, and sacrificial death align closely with Jesus. Gavin examines early Jewish interpretations and highlights the significance of the first-person plural voice. By the end, he convincingly posits that the servant represents an individual who embodies the hopes of Israel, sparking thought-provoking insights on faith and interpretation.

Gavin Ortlund dives into the fascinating connection between stars and the angelic realm. He discusses C.S. Lewis's concept of a 'retired star' and how ancient Christian thought links stars with angels. The conversation explores Augustine's views on whether stars are animated and how angels act as gardeners of creation. Ortlund highlights biblical texts that support the star-angel connection while warning against astrology. He invites listeners to view the cosmos as a vibrant, enchanted space filled with divine oversight.

Explore why Pascal's Wager remains relevant in today's search for belief. The discussion uncovers the emotional stakes of faith and the longing for something transcendent. Gavin contrasts the commitment of characters like Reepicheep with more ambivalent choices, highlighting the transformative power of initial self-interest. He encourages listeners to engage in practices like prayer and virtue to navigate uncertainty. The conversation ultimately invites a sincere exploration of God while addressing objections and the complexities of belief.

Gavin Ortlund emphasizes the urgency of speaking up against the normalization of evil in society. He challenges the assumption that basic moral truths don't require defense and discusses the role of media in shaping moral perceptions. Highlighting the impact of internet algorithms, he calls for a reevaluation of moral clarity using a kickball metaphor. Ortlund urges courage to address moral issues despite risks and stresses the importance of mentoring youth. He advocates for grounding efforts in gospel hope and balancing truth with wisdom in discussions.

Delve into a poignant moment from The Chronicles of Narnia, where the character Shasta discovers the comfort of Aslan's guidance during dark times. Explore themes of divine presence and the revelation that God walks alongside us, even when we feel lost. Gavin Ortlund draws biblical parallels, sharing how Aslan embodies both majesty and compassion. He emphasizes the importance of Scripture in overcoming anxiety, and offers hope that, in heaven, we will understand our suffering through God's perspective.