Just and Sinner Podcast

On today's podcast, I answered three listener questions.  1. Is David Bentley Hart a Marcionite? 2. Do Lutherans believe in consubstantiation? 3. Is there really a difference between Calvin and Zwingli on the Lord's Supper? This is the first of a two-part Q&A series this month.

Today's program is a lecture I gave at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ithaca, NY on the Reformed tradition. I discussed both Zwingli and Calvin, and then some of the key theological differences between the Reformed and Lutheran traditions.

Today's program follows up on the previous discussion of Lutheranism in America with an overview of some significant thinkers in the Lutheran world. The figures I discussed here are: Revere Franklin Weidner, Henry Eyster Jacobs, Milton Valentine, and C.F.W. Walther.

This program is a discussion of the beginnings of Lutheranism in America, and the splits which occurred in the nineteenth century. 

Delve into the complexities surrounding Joshua Harris and the evolving critiques of purity culture. Discover how his anti-dating stance shaped a generation and the implications of his recent public apostasy. The discussion dives into the harsh realities of purity practices, questioning their scriptural foundations and potential harm. Explore how societal shifts have redefined marriage expectations and the role of sexual purity in relationship success. Striking a balance, the conversation emphasizes the importance of valuing both marriage and singleness within the church.

This month's Q&A podcast addressed these questions: Did Christ assume a fallen human nature? Should preaching always follow a law/gospel structure? What is the chief end of man?

Today's program is a discussion of Holy Absolution in the theology of Martin Luther. Specifically I looked at his treatise The Babylonian Captivity of the Church.

Rev. Dr. Eric Phillips, a speaker and expert on preaching, dives deep into the third use of the law. He emphasizes the dynamic relationship between preaching, the law, and living in Christ, using engaging metaphors like the three little pigs. Phillips discusses crafting sermons that balance law and gospel, highlighting how the Holy Spirit guides believers toward authentic faith. He promotes a gospel-driven approach to motivation, urging preachers to inspire genuine actions rooted in love and forgiveness, rather than guilt.

On today's program, I discussed the idea of Holy Absolution. I addressed the definition of a sacrament and asked whether Absolution qualified as a third sacrament along with Baptism and the Lord's Supper. I then gave a Biblical defense of this practice from Matthew 16, Matthew 18, and John 20.

Today's podcast was another Q&A program. I discussed a number of topics, including: the Eucharistic sacrifice, the use of the term "priest," views of the church fathers, and systematic theology textbooks.