Acts242: Continuing the Apostles' Teaching

In this episode of the Acts242 Podcast, Alex Nash is joined again by Mark to examine the Catholic Mass from a Protestant viewpoint. What exactly is the Mass? How did it develop historically, and what does it teach about salvation, sacrifice, and grace?Drawing from Scripture and church history, they explore the theological foundations of the Mass—including its connection to transubstantiation (discussed more fully in the next episode), purgatory, indulgences, and the idea of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice. They contrast these teachings with the biblical doctrine of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the believer’s lasting peace with God through faith alone.Topics include:The historical shift from New Testament simplicity to ritual and works-based systemsThe meaning of “the breaking of bread” in Acts 2:42 versus the developed doctrine of the MassWhy the Mass cannot be the same sacrifice as CalvaryThe assurance of salvation versus the uncertainty of sacramental graceGod’s love, the finished work of Christ, and the peace that comes from looking to Him aloneThis episode is a thoughtful, Scripture-centered discussion calling listeners back to the simplicity and power of the gospel: salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ.Key verses: Hebrews 10, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1, John 5:24, and more.Whether you’re Protestant, Catholic, or simply curious about Christian worship and doctrine, this conversation offers clarity on one of the most significant differences between Protestant and Catholic theology.Subscribe for more biblical teaching rooted in Acts 2:42 — the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

This episode covers praying to the saints and especially to Mary and whether or no it is an acceptable practice.

The apparitions of Mary are a phenomenon that is going on today. There are some people who, every day, believe that they see a vision of the action person of Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus and interact with her. They ask her questions, she speaks with them, she reveals secrets and prophecies. What are we to make of something so apparently supernatural and so thoroughly Catholic? Mark Sell and I take a moment to discuss this important subject on this episode of Acts242.

The Catholic church requires belief in four "dogmas" about Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus in order to be saved. They are as follows:1. Mary is the Mother of God2. Mary was perptually a virgin3. Mary had an Immaculate Conception4. Mary was bodily assumed up into heaven at the end of her life.This podcast shows what a Catholic believes about these dogmas and how they would be defended from scripture. We then go on to see what the rest of the Word of God says about this subject and seek to show how these dogmas lead to worship of Mary which is in essense idolatry.If you want to contact either Mark or myself please send an email to [email protected].

Is the pope the Vicar of Christ...or a wicked imposter leading men, women, and children down the broad road to hell? Do you have to believe in and submit to the pope to be saved...or if you believe in and submit to the pope does that exclude you from Christ? Those questions and more on this episode of Acts242.If you want to get in touch reach out to [email protected]

This episode begins a series looking into the differences between Catholics and Protestants. The most fundamental of these differences which leads to all others is the difference called Sola Scriptura. Do you believe that the scriptures are alone sufficient and that you can understand them yourself? Or do you believe that you need tradition and church teachings and high church authority to interpret it all for you? This episode goes into what a Catholic believes on this point...then holds an examination from the Word of God.To contact the host Alex Nash send an email to [email protected] episode has a guest speaker - Mark Sell. If you would like to reach out to Mark directly, send Alex a request and he can share Mark's contact information with you on a case by case basis.

Should a Christian engage in politics? I once talked with an individual and was sharing teaching from the Word of God and he cut off communication not because of me but because others shrugged their shoulders with Roe V Wade was overturned and said essentially - of the world, who cares. That kind of attitude, while I trust I was never so baldly uncaring as that, is common with some saints that I know, but my study of Charlie Kirk challenged my own somewhat non-committal stance on this topic. Was he right? Was it "incumbent" on a Christian to do all that we could to save this "beautiful country?" As I studied this I learned more and more that while I though Charlie was off into a ditch on this issue...there were some things that I was missing as well. This episode seeks to present an overview of my findings and to show you the listener a picture of how a Christian should navigate this difficult question.If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025. Why did the Lord allow him to die? What lessons can we learn from his life? And How should we respond to his death? These questions are taken up in this episode of the podcast.

Have you ever gotten bad news? Maybe from a doctor? Maybe about cancer or about your child or about yourself? Many years ago Hezekiah from the Old Testament was told that he was going to die. Hezekiah's response is a lesson in what NOT to do...but there is a right answer. How should we respond when God chooses to bring suffering into our lives?

This podcast covers Galatians chapter 6.

This chapter of Galatians lays out God's sentence on those holding and then on those teaching this wicked doctrine that we must do additional things to be justified. The verdict is...this doctrine is not from God...the sentence is...you are not saved if you hold this. The sentence for those who were teaching this was that it was leaven and they needed to bear God's judgement and be removed from the assembly and he wished they would cut themselves off - separate themselves from the body of believers. Then the apostle by the Spirit goes into antinomianism and the evil that this 'other side of the ditch' would be and proclaims that those who practice the deeds of the flesh are not saved either. Then there is a reminder that we are purchased by God and how we walk today is not be a law...but by the Spirit of God alone.

Chapter 4 of Galatians deals with the question are you a Son or a slave? If you are under the law you are a slave to elemental things like days or bones or animals (do not handle do not touch etc.). If you are under idolatry then you are under slavery to a piece of wood or stone... To be a Son is something totally different. The Spirit of God's Son cries in our hearts Abba, Father! We are a Son of God if we are saved. If we turn to the law or to some other form of bondage, we are not a son, we are not even saved, we are a slave.

The latter half of Galatians chapter 3 is all about Abraham. It makes the sometimes difficult to understand statement about the seed of Abraham being singular (when it clearly seems to us plural??). This episode explains why Paul saw this as singular and indeed of course (let God be true and every man a liar) it is! Is God going to faithful with that promise to His seed? And do you know if you are included in the seed? Listen to the episode and find out.If you want the notes from this episode or just want to reach out for shepherding or discussion or if you want to help me (always appreciated) with some loving correction I would very much appreciate it. You can reach me at [email protected].

Who. Has. Bewitched. You. These words must have struck fear into their hearts as they read them from the apostle Paul and inspired of course from God Himself. Paul continues to dismantle their ideas not from his experiences now, but from their very own experiences and then from the scriptures as well. He will show them that even the very first man to be circumcised in history (Abraham) was justified by faith alone.You can always email me at [email protected] or if you have my phone number you can call me. Let me know if you have any thoughts on the show or questions / comments that I can take up. 

Galatians chapter records two events in Paul's life that prove that the apostles in Jerusalem were in agreement with his teaching that the Gentiles did not need to be circumcised to be saved.

Introduction to Galatians and a high level discussion of chapter 1

Pornography is a problem today and one that is not going away. If someone is trapped in its clutches, how can they escape?

The Bible has a great deal to say on this subject from the pen of one of the wisest men that ever lived and yet one that struggled with sexual immorality as much or more than anyone else. By the inspiration of the Spirit of God Solomon writes down for us a blueprint if you will for how to maintain sexual purity in amongst a dangerous world.

Having gone over many doctrinal concepts now, I turned to the concept of sexual purity as a practical study. Over this and the next two episodes I will be dealing with sexual purity in Lord Willing an intensely practical way.Note that for any uncomfortable with a frequent use of the word sex, this episode is not for them.

I believe at the heart of the division between Arminianism and Calvinism is this question...is it God's fault? Here in this final message in the series I try to take up this question in detail.

It won't take long when talking about Calvinism and Arminianism before someone raises the question...what about free will? What does the scripture say about that subject?

The beginning of the process of salvation is the foreknowledge of God. We are foreknown not because of our great talents, but because He chose to set His love upon us. This episode goes through several references to foreknowledge and explains the concept of it.

Salvation is not one step, but many. Romans 8:29-30 lay out these five steps in some detail and help us to understand our salvation. This podcast goes through these five steps and seeks to outline them as best I can.

When man fell in the garden did they fall a little bit? Or a lot? And why?

Over the past several years I have had more discussions with people on this subject than on any other. In this episode I want to simply set the stage for what Calvinism and Arminianism are and why it is even worth discussing.

Why is reformed theology sometimes called covenant theology? Why do they believe in Amillennialism? What is post millennialism and why are there two different forms of premillennialism? These and other questions are addressed in this episode of Acts 242 Podcast.

I have now finished the book of Zechariah and wanted to at least make a reference to the subject of Covenant Theology and explain how an Amillennialist would interpret the book of Zechariah generally and a few verses in chapter eight or chapter fourteen in particular.

The final chapter of Zechariah! A scene of chaos and yet beauty too. Of the most terrible disease yet unknown to man, yet the most blessed stream we have ever read of too. 

How will the Lord Jesus respond to this mourning as the people realize that they crucified the Son of God? They will be mourning, but He will be repairing and providing a way even at that time for their salvation.

Chapter 12 starts the final portion of the book of Zechariah. In this chapter we find the Lord Jesus coming at the second advent and delivering his people first defensively, then offensively, and then the mourning that results as the people of Israel realize who the Messiah is...

Zechariah chapter 11 takes a turn in the book to remind us that there is a negative future for Israel as well as a positive. As they reject their Messiah He will reject them and will further raise up for them an unprofitable shepherd that will harm them - the man we know as the False Prophet.

The second part of God's direct call to His people to return. Here he calls them and then begins to tell them of a time when He will call them all back such that the land cannot even fit them all. What is the practical word to you and to me?

In Zechariah chapter nine we have a prophecy of the future of the land around Israel and a very direct call of God to the people of that day to return to the land of Jerusalem. People were living in other places in cities and different areas where they could make a comfortable living.

Zechariah chapter eight closes the period of answering that the Lord gives to the people as to what they were supposed to do about fasting. He shows the people again His grand vision of the future and reminds them to be righteous, not to fear, but to be strong. He doesn't directly answer the question about fasting, but he does set before them His heart and leaves their response with them.

Zechariah chapter seven begins the second part of the book. The Jews from Bethel ask whether they should continue to fast or if they could stop. It opens up the subject of fasting generally and allows us to see what God has to say about the subject.

Here is the final close-out of the eight visions of Zechariah with a final sign to be given in this most important year of Israel's history - the second year of Darius king of Persia.

Zechariah chapter five - a scroll flying through the air that also consumes houses...and a tiny lady in a basket with a lead cover that is carried off by two other women who have wings like a stork....what could it all mean? 

Have you ever had a "great mountain" in your life which just seems totally impossible to get through? Ever heard of a "mountain of laundry" even? The people of Israel faced a great mountain trying to get this temple built and this is a prophecy is aimed to encourage them that the Spirit of God is going to help them build this temple.

In Zechariah chapter three we have a bit of a movie scene with the shot panning out and around. It starts in tight with Joshua - a figure of Jerusalem, then it pans out to include angelic beings, and his friends, and ultimately...the stone with seven eyes. Jerusalem is made clean, the Branch is brought in, and all is at peace.

Zechariah Chapter 2 - the plans that the Lord has for his holy city.

Zechariah prophecies during the second year of the reign of Darius the king. This podcast covers a basic thumbnail sketch of the history between the carrying away captive and the return of the people of Israel and then goes through briefly the meaning of the three prophecies contained in chapter one of Zechariah.

John 6 gives us a contrast between the crowd who believed a fact about Jesus with faith in Jesus Himself.

This is the final installment of Daniel's visions. It covers Daniel chapters 10-12 - some of the most specific of Daniel's prophecies and one that gives atheists a fair amount of trouble because of how accurate it predicts the future.

This is part 2 of Daniel's visions and just goes through Daniel 9 and the famous Daniel's 70 weeks and the even more famous 70th week - which is the tribulation period of 7 years. 

This is a high level look at the first three of the five visions in the book of Daniel.*Note brief history correction, Alexander the Great died not in the field, but in a palace in Babylon. 

This episode goes through the background and reason that I am putting this podcast together.