Return to Truth

Despite the presence of the term "predestination" in the Bible, much debate has been sparked over its validity, or at least what it means. What about free will? What about fairness? What if I'm not one of the elect? These are all common questions that go along with this topic, and they are ones I answer in this episode. I also walk through four of the main Bible passages that talk about God's people being chosen, and I would encourage you all to think through whether your convictions are deeply rooted in Scripture. Let us remember that salvation is of the Lord!

Despite the push of many for unity between Catholics and Protestants, there are some legitimate, irreconcilable views that distinguish us. Concerning Mary, the mother of Jesus, Catholics have many dogmas and practices that we do not. Far from these being mere matters of opinion, they touch the heart of the Gospel, and so I hope this episode (though by no means exhaustive) gives you a starting place for understanding what makes the true faith different from the claims of Catholicism.

While many seek to rationalize Hell into something less stark or "harsh," this is a doctrine on which we cannot afford compromise. In this episode, I sift through remarks on Hell from three of my professors during my time at Bible college and evaluate their faithfulness to the text of Scripture. I tackle questions like: "What about God's love?" "Will more people be in Heaven than Hell?" and "Can Hell be good in some sense for the wicked?" Our answers have significant implications.

What role (if any) does shame have in the Christian life? Does the fact that we are forgiven mean we should shun any and all sense of shame? In this episode, I discuss how, when properly used, shame is a valid and useful tool in sanctification.

Persecution can be an uncomfortable thought, and maybe something we seek to avoid at all costs. But suffering for the sake of the Gospel is integral to discipleship. In this episode, I examine the nature, cause, and purpose of persecution in the Christian's life.

Are swear words that big of a deal for a Christian? Are they always permissible, or at least in certain contexts to make a point? In this episode, I examine what Scripture says regarding our speech and whether profanity is consistent with being a follower of Jesus.

What do we mean when we say that the Holy Spirit is our teacher? Is it right when people say that they value Christ over Scripture? In this episode, I discuss how we should understand the relationship between the Spirit's work and the role of Scripture.