Bad Fruit Podcast

Has Sunday morning become a marketplace to make corporations money? In this episode we talk about CCLI and the way worship has been monetized. We also talk about our favorite CCM bands and share some personal stories of our own time in bands. If you'd like to email us you can at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcast 

In this episode Judah and Jonathan talk about the aftermath of Michael Tait and Newsboys fall from grace and the lawsuits that emerged in the wake of it all. We talk about Newsboys owner suing for $50 million because of lost revenue from charities. And then wander into a conversation about the Christian music industry in general. Questions or comments? email us at [email protected] 

From the vault! This is a re-release of our 8th episode. In this episode Jonathan is joined by pastor and author Graeme Carle from New Zealand to discuss his book Eating Sacred Cows and ask the question; Should Christians Tithe to the Church? You can learn more about Graeme and his book at https://emmausroad.org.nz/ and if you have any questions or comments you can send those to us at [email protected] 

What is the Word of God? Is it the red letters in the Gospels and Revelation? Is it the totality of the Bible? Can it be when you share the Gospel with someone? Or when the pastor preaches? In this episode Jonathan is joined by Pastor Koenig to talk about this important topic. We talk about the role of tradition and the difference between SOLA and SOLO scriptura. Have questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] 

This week Judah and Jonathan review a sermon from our local megachurch. The sermon is over the first verse of James chapter two. The pastor adds in his own governing context to the verse that isn't there. And turns the verse into being about racism and prejudice instead of the actual context of the sin of partiality and showing favoritism towards the rich. If you have questions, comments or just want to say hello, email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Bad Fruit, Jonathan walks through the Lord’s Prayer petition by petition using Luther’s Small Catechism, the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms, and the distinction between the two kinds of righteousness. What happens when Christ’s own prayer is recited over images of bombs, soldiers, flags, and military power? Can Christians pray for soldiers and rulers? Absolutely. But what happens when the state takes the church’s prayer and turns it into propaganda? This episode explores the theological difference between prayer and political liturgy, between vocation and civil religion, and between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Along the way, Jonathan reflects on recent uses of Easter imagery, divine sanction, and messianic political rhetoric surrounding the conflict with Iran, asking how Christians can remain clear-headed when sacred language is used to sanctify national power. This is not an attack on military vocation or patriotism. It is a confessional Lutheran meditation on why the Lord’s Prayer belongs to the baptized, not to Caesar. If you have questions or want to talk email us at [email protected] 

In this episode Pastor Cam joins the Bad Fruit Podcast to talk about the Theology of the Cross. We touch on what suffering looks like as a Christian, where Christ meets us. We talk about justification, the sacraments and even the problem of evil. And the future hope of the resurrection. All while pointing back to Christ. If you would like links to all the resources mentioned in the podcast visit us on Facebook or email us at [email protected] 

This week's denomination series was on the holiness traditions like the Nazarene church, and they spoke of Entire Sanctification. So what is Sanctification? Is it a once for all thing or an ongoing process? Find out in this short Fruit Bite episode. Questions or comments email us at [email protected]

Methodism asked an important question: Can you know that you are saved? The Holiness movement asked another: If grace forgives you, can it also cleanse you? In this episode we explore the Wesleyan-Holiness traditions that grew out of Methodism, including the Church of the Nazarene, the Wesleyan Church, the Free Methodist Church, and the Salvation Army. We look at the rise of the Holiness movement, its teaching on entire sanctification, and the ways it shaped modern Christianity. Along the way, we also offer a Lutheran perspective on sanctification, assurance, and the means of grace. If you would like to chat with us email @[email protected]

We've been walking through the denominations of Christendom here at the Bad Fruit Podcast and today I wanted to do a little bonus episode that recapped everything we've covered so far. We're about halfway through the series and so I think it is important to stop and reflect on where we've been and also highlight where we are going. If you have questions or comments email us at [email protected] 

In this week's episode I am joined by Rev. Dr. Hagerman to talk about the role of the pastor, and touch on a variety of adjacent topics, such as what is the church, who can serve and how, and important to our previous episodes, we touch on church hurt.   If you have any questions or comments email me at [email protected] 

We continue the conversation started last week about church hurt. This week Jonathan and Judah are joined by Judah's wife Sarah to also hear her perspective. We talk about what it means to be hurt by the church and to lose trust in the institution. If you have questions or just want to get in touch with us you can do so at [email protected] 

In this episode Judah tells his story about why he hasn't been on the podcast and his experience with church hurt. It is a serious and complex episode. Mild trigger warning we do discuss abuse and grooming. Also Judah is very passionate and there are two mild cuss words in this episode. I hope this episode helps others who have gone through or are going through church hurt. We discuss deconstruction and what it means to be a part of a church. This is a little longer episode, Judah is unfiltered here, and we lay the foundation for next week's episode. If you have questions or comments please email us at [email protected] 

2025 has come and gone, but did any of the prophecies come true? And as we keep moving on into 2026 what are the prophetic words for the new year? In this episode Judah returns as co-host and we talk about all the 2025 prophecies and look at the 2026 ones as well! Did any come true? The answer might surprise you. Also Jonathan gives a "fresh word" for the year. Questions or comments email us at [email protected] 

In this Fruit Bite episode we are looking at the Sparkle Creed. Is this a new modern Christian Creed? Or a Creed of the oldest false religion?

This week we continue with the denomination series and explore the Wesleyan Methodist tradition and denominations. We look at the history, key figures, their theology and writings, and global stats. If you have questions or comments please email me at [email protected] 

WHAT THE HELL? A Christmas Reflection on Sin, Judgment, and Mercy Hell is not a comfortable topic, and Christmas is not usually when we want to think about judgment, sin, or eternity. But the birth of Christ only makes sense if we are honest about what went wrong, what we cannot fix, and what God has done to rescue us. In this episode of Bad Fruit Podcast, we walk through the full arc of Christian theology, starting with creation, moving through the Fall, exile, judgment, and hell, and ending with the Gospel hope of Christ’s incarnation, cross, and resurrection. This is not a debate episode and not a reaction video. It is a careful, Scripture-centered reflection on why hell exists, what the Bible actually says about it, and why mercy can only be understood through Christ. We address questions about annihilationism, eternal punishment, the “second death,” post-death repentance, and the common “Hitler vs. grandma” framing, while keeping the focus where Scripture keeps it: not on comparative morality, but on Christ alone. This is a Law-heavy episode that ends where it must end, with the Gospel, with the manger, and with the promise that God has entered our exile to bring us home. A sobering, pastoral, and unexpected Christmas episode that reminds us why the angels’ announcement was truly good news. Merry Christmas!

Bob joins me this week to share how God miraculously healed him. And we also talk about his time on the James River prayer team. And an interesting interaction he had with John Lindell. As always you can email me at [email protected]

Zach attended the James River College when Bill Johnson and his Bethel team came to visit, and he shares his experiences and perspective on his time there. It is a great conversation and we have a few laughs along the way. If you would like to get in touch please email me at [email protected]

Carl Lentz is back in the spotlight, and his comments on pastoral care and church size reveal something deeper about the megachurch system he came out of. This episode walks through the history of Hillsong, the rise and fall of Lentz, and a point-by-point biblical response to the claims he makes. What does Scripture say about shepherds who know their sheep, discipleship in small churches, and the dangers of celebrity Christianity? Join us as we separate truth from trend and look at the fruit. If you would like to get in touch with us please email us at [email protected]

This is part two of THE Baptists. If you didn't listen to part 1, that's okay, you can jump in on this one and then go back. In this episode I look at the history of the Baptist movement and theology and also offer a charitable but firm critique of Baptist theology.

Few issues have divided Protestants more sharply than baptism. And yet, at the heart, both sides are trying to honor Christ’s command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This Fruit Bite we look at Baptism and ask: who can be baptized, and how? Is Baptism a sacrament or an ordinance?

Yeah it's a long title. In this episode we look at an overview of THE Baptists, talk about their view of the sacraments, they call them ordinances, and look at some major Baptist groups like the IFB and SBC. So this is part 1, next episode will be more of a traditional historic and theological look at Baptists. Questions or comments email me at [email protected] or look for our Facebook page.

Who are the Anabaptists and what do they believe? They were the Radical Reformers who came after Luther and Calvin, and laid the foundation for the Mennonites and The Amish. If you would like to get in touch email us at [email protected]

When is division actually a good thing? And when is unity actually a bad thing? This Fruit Bite episode looks at unity and division in the church. And asks when and where should we seek unity? And when and where is division a call to faithfulness? If you have any comments, questions or input please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you.

There we three main Reformations during the Reformational era: The Lutheran Reformation (Lutherans), the Reformed or Calvinist Reformation, and the English Reformation (Anglicans). These are the Reformational Christians. Later splits and off-shoots are still protestant, but not always Reformational. So what does it mean to be a "Reformational Christian"? Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions or input. We'd love to hear from you!

Should women serve as pastors and bishops? In this episode, Jonathan explores one of the most divisive issues in the modern church through the lens of Scripture, history, and the latest controversy in the Church of England. With Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the question is more urgent than ever: what happens when the church replaces divine order with cultural approval? Drawing on Scripture, Lutheran teaching, and the witness of global Anglicans in GAFCON, this Fruit Bite examines God’s design for ministry, the difference between equality and vocation, and why faithfulness to the Word of God must come before the fashions of the world. “Faithfulness is not measured by popularity, but by obedience.” Send any questions or comments to [email protected]

In the 1500s, the Reformation was sweeping Europe—but in England, it began with a king who just wanted an annulment. From Henry VIII’s court to the poetry of Cranmer, from the martyrs of Oxford to the global Anglican Communion, this episode traces how the Church of England blended the theology of the Reformation with the traditions of Rome. We’ll explore the Book of Common Prayer, the Thirty-Nine Articles, the rise of Methodism, the Oxford Movement, and the worldwide family of Anglicans today, now facing new questions with the historic appointment of Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. A story of politics, piety, and prayer: this is Anglicanism. Send your questions or comments to [email protected]

Did you choose to press play, or was it predestined? Either way, you are here. In this episode we trace the Swiss, French, and Scottish roots of the Reformed family and unpack what “Reformed,” “Calvinist,” and “Presbyterian” actually mean.

At the Synod of Dort the 5 points of Calvinism, known as TULIP were introduced. As well as the 5 points of Arminianism, known as DAISY. But which flower belongs in the church garden? Or do we need GRACE?

What are the three uses of the law? And why is it important to distinguish between the law and the gospel?

In today's Fruit Bite episode we look at the Marburg Colloquy and ask the question; does IS mean IS?

A hammer strike in Wittenberg echoed all the way to America. In this episode, we trace the story of Lutheranism: from Martin Luther’s thunderstorm vow and “Here I stand,” through Melanchthon’s Augsburg Confession and Chemnitz’s defense against the Council of Trent, to Pietism and Rationalism, immigrant synods, the Seminex walkout, and the alphabet soup of American Lutherans today: ELCA, LCMS, WELS, AALC, and more. We’ll explore what unites them (Confessions, Creeds, Sacraments, hymns) and what divides them (Scripture, culture, fellowship). From Ethiopia to Minnesota, from Augsburg to St. Louis, discover how Lutherans have struggled, split, and yet held fast to the same confession: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. As always, if you have questions or comments about this or any other episode, please email us at [email protected] 

This short Fruit Bite episode looks at these five phrases known as the five solas and what they mean for us as Christians. Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) Sola Fide (faith alone) Sola Gratia (grace alone) Solus Christus (Christ alone) Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone). 

In this week's episode of the denomination series we look at Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe and Jan Hus. Waldo inspired the Waldensians and Hus the Moravians and Wycliffe's influence continues with various Bible translators. These Pre-Reformation Reformers inspired Luther, Calvin and later the Methodists and Baptists. As always if you would like to get in touch with me about this episode or any topic, please email me at [email protected] Also please like, subscribe, share and review this podcast as that helps us out a lot. Thank you and God bless!

Who do you say Jesus is? That question is the dividing line between truth and heresy, between life and death. In this first Fruit Bite episode, Jonathan dives into the heart of the Christian faith: the Trinity, the great creeds of the church, and what it means to be a Nicene Christian. From Scripture to the battles with ancient heresies, to the bold confessions of Nicaea, Chalcedon, and Athanasius, this episode shows why to deny the Trinity is to deny Christ Himself. Saint Nicholas may have thrown a punch at Arius, and Jonathan brings that same energy here. The Trinity is not a puzzle to solve but the gospel itself: the Father who loves us, the Son who redeems us, and the Spirit who dwells within us. If you have questions about this, or any episode, please email [email protected] 

Eastern Orthodoxy is the second largest Christian tradition in the world, about 220 million strong, rooted in Byzantium, and still shaping lives today. In this episode of the Denominations series, we explore the other side of the Great Schism and the beauty of icons and liturgy, and why so many young people in America are finding a spiritual home in the Orthodox Church. What can Protestants learn from Orthodoxy’s deep sense of mystery and beauty, and how do we hold that alongside the clear proclamation of Christ crucified and risen? Email your comments and questions to [email protected] 

In this episode, we dive into the history and core beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. From its roots in the early centuries of Christianity to its doctrines on the sacraments, tradition, and the authority of the Pope, we explore how Catholicism has shaped and been shaped by the story of the Church. Along the way, we consider where Catholics and Protestants agree, where they differ, and how Christians can respond with both clarity and charity. If you have any questions or comments about this or any episode reach out at [email protected]

In this kickoff episode of our Denominations series, we take a step back and look at the big picture. What exactly is a denomination? How did they form? And why do they matter today? You’ll get a brief historical overview from the early church to the major branches of Christianity, along with a glimpse of how theological differences, cultural movements, and historical events shaped the church into what we see now. This episode also serves as a blueprint for where the series is headed, outlining the key traditions we will explore in more detail in the weeks ahead. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to refresh your knowledge, this is the perfect place to start before diving deeper. Email us with any questions or feedback at [email protected] 

In this powerful conversation, Iranian-born pastor Ara Torosian shares his journey from persecution to pastoral ministry in the United States. Together, we explore the realities facing Iranian Christians—both those worshiping in underground house churches back home and those seeking asylum in the U.S. Pastor Ara reflects on recent arrests of his church members by immigration officials, the spiritual cost of displacement, and the unshakable hope found in Christ. This episode is not about politics—it's about people, persecution, and the faith that endures. Learn more about Pastor Ara's church here: https://cornerstonewla.org/ On Facebook I will be posting more resources here: www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcast  And as always please email us with any questions or comments at [email protected] 

In this episode, Jonathan is joined by author Christa Petzold, to discuss her book Journey Through Church History. Together, they explore why understanding church history matters, how to approach primary sources without fear, and what modern Christians can learn from the faith and struggles of those who came before us. To learn more about her you can visit her website: https://christapetzold.com/ If you want to reach out to us at the podcast you can email us at [email protected] 

We often talk about the bad fruit in the church and focus on megachurches. Most megachurches are still (for the most part) conservative in their theology. However, bad fruit also looks like liberal theology! The Sparkle Creed and a distortion of the law/gospel distinction! In this episode I talk to the pastor who runs the Lutheran Lion Facebook page about his journey to being a pastor and liberal theology. If you would like to email us you can at [email protected]

This week the Confessional Corndog, who is actually Pastor Wyatt, joins me to talk about Lutheranism. We look at why Lutherans are the true Catholics and not the Roman Catholics. We also talk about why Lutherans are not Calvinists too. And why Lutherans are okay with mystery and the unknown. It's a bit of history and theology mixed together for a very interesting conversation. You can follow him on https://www.facebook.com/confessionalcorndog If you have any questions or comments you can email us at [email protected] Please consider liking this and sharing it with your friends.

When I asked Pastor Josh what he was about he said he was all about Jesus. And you can tell that from the conversation we have. We talk about James River Church and the Assemblies of God and church governance and ton of other stuff that is applicable to the church today! If you want to learn more about Pastor Josh he is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2135jtroester You can email us at [email protected] 

Join us this week as we sit down with the creator of the popular Christian meme page “Young Earth Creation Octopus” to explore the art of crafting theologically sound memes that point back to the Gospel, dive into Young‑Earth Creationism’s six days of Genesis and the global Flood, and sort out where dinosaurs and flat‑Earth theories fit into the conversation. Along the way, our guest shares his remarkable faith journey—from Mormonism to atheism and finally to a life‑changing encounter with Christ—and we even tackle the provocative question, “Is Mormonism just a pyramid scheme?” It’s an episode packed with humor, insight, and plenty of food for thought on how to engage skeptics and spread truth one meme at a time. If you want follow our guest he is on Facebook. You can follow us at www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcast And at https://www.youtube.com/@BadFruitPodcast Also feel free to email us at [email protected] 

This week Judah and Jonathan discuss James River Church's disaffiliation from the Assemblies of God denomination. Did John Lindell hijack the church from the members? contact us at [email protected]

Episode 40! Thank you so much for listening to the Bad Fruit Podcast. In this episode Jonathan is joined by pastor Cam, also known for his meme page Blessed Bald Eagle. They talk about purity culture, sex, the gospel and church discipline. If you want to get in touch with us you can email us at [email protected] or visit our Facebook or YouTube channel.

Talking about charismatic, or rather continuationist theology with the Charismatic Cheetah. We talk about Bethel, NAR, prophecy and apostleship.

Is Easter Pagan? Is it a rebranding of Ishtar? Are eggs and bunnies pagan symbols for goddesses and fertility? Also, what is the true meaning of "Easter"? And did Jesus really die on Friday? Why is Sunday called "The Lord's Day"? That's what we are discussing in this special Easter episode. If you would like to support the podcast you can at buymeacoffee.com/BadFruitPodcast  If you would like to email us about anything please don't hesitate at [email protected] 

This week Jonathan and friend of the pod Michael talk about the Bible. What is the Bible? What is textual criticism? What are some good translations? Questions? email them to us at [email protected]