The Old Roads Podcast

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley offers guidance, drawing from Cal Newport’s book Digital Minimalism, on how to use smartphones, social media, and other digital technologies with intentionality rather than allowing them to shape us in destructive ways.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley addresses the question of what the Bible teaches us about technology. Is technology good, bad, or capable of both? What role does it play in God’s plan for us, and what dangers might it pose?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about how Christians who live and work primarily around other Christians can fulfill the Great Commission, whether or not Baptist churches should allow paedobaptist Christians into membership, and how we can guard our hearts from thinking that God owes us blessings for our faithfulness.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the differences between those who call themselves “pro-life” and those who describe themselves as “abortion abolitionists.” Although both groups oppose abortion, they have found themselves at odds with one another in recent times. What are the issues that divide them, how should we evaluate those issues, and can we forge unity between these groups?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the current state of American society on the issue of abortion after the Dobbs decision of 2022 struck down Roe v. Wade. Did that court decision end the need for the pro-life movement, or are there still battles to be fought for the sake of human life in America?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley addresses the question of what it means to be pro-life. Is the mission of the pro-life movement focused on a narrow set of issues, or is it right to say that it expands into matters such as healthcare, public welfare, etc.? And why does it matter?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about whether or not sacrifice is essential to all true worship, the mysterious origin of Cain’s wife, and how we can define sin when believers have different personal convictions.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley talks through a final rule for accurate biblical interpretation, one that helps us see each passage in light of the whole Bible. Protestants believe that the Bible is its own best interpreter, so how can we read the Bible with that principle in view?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley continues walking through a set of rules for accurate biblical interpretation to help listeners grow in their ability to read the Bible well and submit their lives to the voice of God in Scripture. Part 2 focuses on how we can determine what key words in a passage mean, how we can look for important grammatical connections, and how some passages of Scripture help us interpret others.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley begins walking through a set of rules for accurate biblical interpretation to help listeners grow in their ability to read the Bible well and submit their lives to the voice of God in Scripture. Part 1 focuses on the importance of different kinds of literature in the Bible, the context of a passage, and its historical background.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley addresses an important question in biblical interpretation, namely, whether a passage of Scripture can have more than one legitimate meaning. When we read certain passages with fresh eyes and feel like it has communicated something new to us, does that mean the Bible’s meaning can be different for different people? Or is every passage limited to one single meaning?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about apparent inconsistencies in the Bible, the possibility that the gospel might be heard through dreams and visions, and whether or not God’s plan can ever be delayed by lack of human obedience.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores some specific biblical texts on Christian growth, or sanctification, in conversation with the Wesleyan and Keswick views of this subject discussed in previous episodes. What does Scripture say growth in the Christian life actually looks like?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley looks into another popular model of sanctification known as “higher life theology,” which came from Bible conferences held in Keswick, England. In this view, some Christians may have Jesus as Savior only, but not as Lord.Is that a legitimate understanding of the biblical teaching on sanctification?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley dives into the topic of sanctification, beginning with an explanation and critique of John Wesley’s unique doctrine of “Christian perfection.” This discussion raises questions related to the nature of God’s work in our lives and how much progress we can expect to see during our earthly life.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about whether or not God’s love for all people is the same, a Christian view of self-defense, and the origin of John’s baptism.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the practical implications for the doctrine of justification by faith alone. How does this teaching affect our relationship with God, our grasp of his love for us, and our sense of security in him? How does it affect the way we relate to others, especially considering that they, like us, are sinners?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the historic Protestant teaching of justification by faith alone (sola fide). In contrast to any view of justification that makes our own works a contributing factor to our standing with God, sola fide affirms that Christ alone is our hope. But is “faith alone” a biblical teaching, and is it compatible with James’s notion of justification by works (James 2:24)?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the meaning of the biblical doctrine of justification. Catholics understand this term to mean one thing, and Protestants another. The differences between them get to the very heart of the gospel and the basis on which our standing with God depends.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about whether or not it is appropriate, in light of the second commandment, to view films with Jesus in them and about book recommendations based on his reading from 2025.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley continues pondering the mysteries of the Incarnation, this time addressing the question of whether or not it ended at Jesus’ ascension to Heaven or continues forever. Is God the Son still the God-man, or was that state only for the time of his earthly mission of redemption? And why would that matter for us?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley ponders the mysteries of the Incarnation by raising the question of whether or not God the Son departed from Heaven when he entered the world as Jesus of Nazareth. Can one who is God “leave” one place and go to another? If so, how? If not, what does it mean to say that the Son of man has descended to us from Heaven (John 3:13)?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about what is and is not the sin of gluttony and whether or not a Christian school should ever observe the Lord’s Supper in a chapel service.Reference: Kevin DeYoung, “But What About Gluttony?”

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores how Calvinism, when rightly and biblically applied, affects real life. Do the doctrines of Calvinism lead to a lack of motivation for prayer, evangelism, and the pursuit of holiness? Far from it. In fact, Calvinistic doctrine, drawn from Scripture, fuels our motivation for these things and more.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley looks into biblical teaching on the so-called “five points of Calvinism.” Do these five points (total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints) reflect the Bible’s teaching about our sin and the grace of God in salvation?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the topic of Calvinism, providing an overview of the history of this theological movement. What is Calvinism, and is it a fringe teaching that we should fear and oppose? Or does it have a home in the mainstream Christian tradition?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners about the proper context for administering the Lord’s Supper, advice for Christians going into the field of acting, and why people in the Bible were sometimes arrested for preaching.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley raises the question of non-Christian religions. Are they alternative paths to salvation? Or are they nothing but demonic lies? How does Scripture guide us to evaluate them?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley addresses the topic of inclusivism, the view that while Jesus is the only Savior of humanity, some may be saved by him without hearing the gospel verbally proclaimed. Is this view compatible with the teachings of Scripture?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the topic of pluralism, the view that all religions lead ultimately to the same place. How does pluralism measure up to the Bible’s teachings? Is Jesus Christ the only savior of humanity, or are there other pathways to God as well?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions about whether or not Jesus ever faced discouragement and the importance of studying the Bible in the original languages.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the paradox of grief for the death of believing loved one. On the one hand, we rejoice for what our believing loved ones now experience in the presence of the Lord. But on the other hand, death itself remains something to lament. Is the death of a believer something we should view as good or bad?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley follows the topic of death to its ultimate conclusion: resurrection. What is the final hope to which believers can look in the face of death? And what about unbelievers? Understanding death in the context of God’s plan to raise the dead gives us a fuller picture of his saving work in Christ.

In this special edition of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley reflects on recent violent events in America, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk. As Christians think through these events, how should we respond? More specifically, how should we pray?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley looks into the biblical teaching on what human beings experience after death, a condition theologians call the “intermediate state.” While we are accustomed to speaking of death being followed by Heaven or Hell, the Bible actually speaks in more nuanced ways about this important topic.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the topic of death from a theological perspective. What are the various dimensions of death that have been imposed on humanity, and what has God done in Jesus Christ to deliver us from them?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions about the Bible’s teaching on slavery, on the ethics of cussing, and on the “three days and three nights” reference to Jesus’ time in the tomb in Scripture.References: “Does the Bible Support Slavery?” (a lecture by Peter Williams)

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley connects theology to the modern geopolitical issue of the existence of the modern state of Israel and its conflicts with its Arab neighbors. Should Christians support Israel for theological reasons, or for political reasons, or both? Or should Christians remain indifferent or even stand in opposition to Israel’s national aims?References: “The Dangerous Secret Your Young Men Are Keeping: Neo-Nazi Thought Has Entered the Church” by Will Spencer

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley dives into the key biblical passage that addresses the question of Israel’s place in God’s plan: Romans 9-11. Is Israel still God’s chosen people? As Paul’s teaching demonstrates, that question cannot be answered in a simple way, but once you see God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles unfolded in these key biblical chapters, the result is awe and wonder at the mysterious workings of God’s grace (Romans 11:33-36).

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the diversity of views among Christians about the nation of Israel. Dispensationalism offers one perspective, and covenant theology offers a range of other perspectives. Tied into this question are different approaches to interpreting the Bible and different ways of fitting Old and New Testaments together, each leading to different ways of viewing the nation of Israel today.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley continues last week’s discussion about the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 by looking into two New Testament passages that mention angels and have been interpreted by some as a reference to Genesis 6. These two passages are 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Jude 5-7. Does either one of these New Testament texts, or both, give us a definitive interpretation of Genesis 6 and confirm the view that fallen angels did, in fact, once invade this world and marry human women?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley looks into three different interpretations of the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4. Were these “sons of God” fallen angels who intermarried with human women? Or is there a better way to understand this passage?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley reports on the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in June of 2025. What were the highlights of the event? What were the greatest disappointments? And what do both mean for Southern Baptists moving forward?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley raises the question of the place of patriotism in the Christian life. What is patriotism? Is it a virtue Christians should cultivate? Can it be taken too far? As we navigate life in this world of nations while also belonging to a heavenly kingdom, this subject merits careful thought.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley answers questions from listeners regarding the biblical command that women should not speak in church (1 Cor. 14:33), the nature of biblical inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility, and whether or not we will know our grandparents as grandparents in Heaven, or only as brothers and sisters.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley compares and contrasts the Roman Catholic teaching on justification with the Protestant (and biblical) teaching. This historic debate between Protestants and Catholics helped clarify for us the central teaching of the gospel, namely, that we are declared right with God by faith in Christ alone, and not by anything we do.

In this special edition of The Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O'Kelley responds to an essay by Jason Edwards, published in Baptist News Global, arguing for LGBTQ inclusion in the church. What hidden assumptions lie behind the argument of this essay, and how should Christians think through this issue?Mentioned in the podcast are three previous episodes that address the issue of homosexuality in the Old Testament, what Jesus said regarding homosexuality, and homosexuality in the New Testament.

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the Roman Catholic teaching on Mary. What do Catholics believe about her, and why do they pray to her? Are there any theological problems with the Catholic teachings and practices related to Mary?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explains the Roman Catholic teaching on the nature and authority of Scripture and Tradition. Why does this issue matter so much, and why do Protestants affirm that Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) is our infallible source of authority?

In this episode of the Old Roads Podcast, Dr. Aaron O’Kelley explores the Roman Catholic teaching about the office of the Pope. What is his role and authority, according to Roman Catholic doctrine? And how does it line up with the teaching of Scripture?