The Hammer Podcast

Trigger warning! In this episode we talk about Biblical Headship. Why does it have a bad rap? Is it really the root of all evil, as some try to articulate? We break down the topic in 5 parts:1. The biblical necessity of headship.2. The biblical basis of headship.3. How the Fall makes biblical headship challenging.4. The common misunderstandings of headship a. Means the man is superior to the woman. b. Leads to dictatorship c. Leads to abuse. d. General dislike for the word “submission”5. A biblical portrait of headship in action.

Friends, the vault has gotten backed up, so we wanted to answer some questions on this episode. Before we get theological, current issues with redistricting and the blockade in Iran get some attention. Due to the thorough discussion on our first questions, we were only able to touch on the second. 1. What is your view on women wearing head coverings in church? (1 Corinthians 11)2. What does biblical headship truly look like in a home?Tune in today!

Wow! We had a break-in at the Hammer Headquarters. Two young men broke into the studio and recorded an episode on social media influencers and the importance of the local church. Great episode (thus, we decided not to press charges) by two of our Gen Z’er. How should we think about the growing influence of "Tik-Tok pastors"? What role does the local church play in our discernment regarding personalities like:Bryce CrawfordCliffe KnechtleForrest FrankJosiah Queen Haunted CosmosTune in today!

We know that when a believer dies the spirit is absent from the body but in the presence of the Lord. How does all of that work?What are some bible verses that help us understand this truth?Are angels involved in taking us into the presence of God?What happens to someone who does not believe in Christ?How does Stephen’s death in Acts 7, help us understand what happens?When do we get our glorified bodies?Inquisition: Can departed saints see our lives, our affairs on earth?

We talk about the ceasefire in Iran and Trump’s Easter tweet, then Iran trying to use human shields and Trump’s response. What does this mean for us and how should we as Christians think through these events?We discuss the danger of the mainstream media. How should we as Christians be the clearest thinkers in the world?What does Biblical brotherly love look like in Paul’s life and our current life?In what ways is brotherly love misused and abused by the progressive Christians?Inquisition: Should I leave my cell phone off while at church at least during the sermon?

In this episode we talk about what makes a Baptist Church, Baptist.3 key features historically make a church Baptistic:1. It could be rightly called a “confessors” or “believers” church because the distinguishing feature is regenerate membership (not baptism as most would suppose from the name).2. Church (some call it congregational) autonomy. This simply means that each church is independent of the state and any other authoritative governing body.3. Believers only baptism by immersion.

Today we want to pick up where we left off with the “ugly” of Classical Covenant Theology and Classical Dispensationalism. And we touch on the current conflict with Iran. As a quick review we talk about what we appreciate regarding both systems (the good) and what we are concerned about with both systems (the bad). Should any of these differences separate us, or cause us to go to different churches?What is the ugly of each system and how does that relation to how each system approaches the Bible?What is the ugly with Classical Dispensationalism?What is the ugly with Classical Covenant Theology?What do we think about the current fighting with Iran? Inquisition: If I think my iphone controls my time and attention, yet it is essential for my work and responsibilities, what can I do?

Today we hold a lightening round discussion on Classical Covenant Theology and Classical Dispensationalism. The topic has a lot of contours to it, so we are only dealing with the classical forms of each doctrine. We discuss the good of both views and then the bad of both views. Due to time constraints, we briefly discuss the ugly and plan to address those in the next episode. Tune in today!

We dive into the war on Iran and ask the question, “Who killed Jesus?”Does the war with Iran mean the end is near? Regarding who killed Jesus, how should we answer that question? What are the implications? Inquisition: Should a local church have formal membership? Why or why not?

In this episode we discuss the war in Iran, and the connections between the growing sentiment of Antisemitism. We then do a deep dive into how 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 has been a favorite verse of antisemitism throughout history. Then dive into what the text actually means. Inquisition: Biblically, can Christians ever support “offensive” measures in war or battle?

What does it mean for Christians to love one another?Love is hard in any form for us sinners. How should we define Kingdom Love?How do we model this Kingdom Love?Why is it so important that we love each other?Why is it so difficult for us to love each other?Do you think it gets easier with time to love each other?How can we learn to love each other? I mean is it a choice?How can we love the difficult brother or sister? How can we display love for each other even in the midst of disagreements?How scary is it that Jesus said “the world will know you are mine by your love for each other?”Inquisition: Do you have any tips for time management in order to be more spiritually disciplined?Ephesians 4, Philippians 2, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

In this episode of The Hammer Podcast, we talk about the continuing fight for the right of the unborn, created in God‘s image, to life. We talk about how members of Redeeming Grace recently displayed exactly how believers should conduct themselves in the public square. Speaking the truth in love is what we are called to do!We also discuss the “murder pill”and the problem this poses. Further, we discuss the importance of the continuing abolitionist movement. 

1. What is a basic argument for pacifism? 2. What are texts that come to bear on this issue?    Exodus 22:2    Matthew 12:29    Mark 3:27    Luke 11:21    Proverbs 25:21-22    Romans 12:17    Matthew 5:393. What James White and John Piper say on this issue.4. Jesus and the sword in Luke 22: 35-38Inquisition: In light of the Bible’s teaching on violence and self-defense, what do we make of the Christian Crusades?

The riots in Minneapolis are a cover for the overwhelming fraud. How should we as believers think about this? How should we discuss truth with other believers on a topic like this and the flood of illegal immigrants? ICE agents are not breaking Romans 13; they are upholding it!Inquisition: How is this current situation in MN different from the George Floyd situation? 

Friends, a lot has happened in the world, the riots in Minnesota are escalating. Don Lemon and company stormed a church in Minneapolis, and the ICE deportations are continung. What should Christians think about all of this? How are we suppose to make the “right judgements” in such crazy times? Why are some “Christians” defending Don Lemon storming the church? Is it morally wrong for ICE to deport people? How is the left playing games with our compassion to make us think ICE and their actions are wrong?What is the progressive left actually doing with the flood of illegals and Somali fraud in MN? Tune in today!

At the start of 2026, we want to go over again how we properly interpret God’s word! Yes, the Bible does have meaning, but Satan is always trying to get us to question the meaning of the text. We address the “Christological”approach to reading scripture and its dangers.Why are the “allegorical & spiritual” interpretations of scripture dangerous?What is the long term impact on your children, of not taking Genesis One at face value? How third world Christians interpret scripture, and why that is important. In the end, it’s a question of authority; what is the source of truth and how can we understand it. 

In this episode we go through the top 7 events of 2025. However there is a great debate, which event should be number 1: Donald Trump’s inauguration or Charlie Kirk’s assassination?Donald Trump inaugurated as PresidentAssassination of Charlie Kirk John MacArthur homegoing Children protected from transgender mutilation Bombing Nigerian terrorists Mamdani’s election AI boom and its implications Honorable mention:Voddie Baucham’s death Fraud in Minnesota John Harbaugh not using Derek Henry correctly

Is JD Vance a Christian Nationalist? In this episode we play a clip from JD Vance at AmericaFest 2025 talking about America being a Christian Nation and discuss our thoughts concerning this. What is the importance of the Judeo-Christian foundation of the nation? Should that matter to us as Christian’s who live in America and can it be celebrated? We close with a discussion on Santa, should Christian’s allow their children to think he is real?Finally, as believers, how we can leverage Christmas for evangelism and God‘s glory. 

How should we think about the latest increase in violence on conservatives in America and the murder of Jews in Australia?In this episode we talk about 1) Mass shooting at Brown University; 2) Woman in Savannah attacked with acid for her faith; 3) Attack on Americans in Syria; 4) Israel takes out key Hamas leader who orchestrated October 7 terrorist attack 5) Jews attacked on Bondi Beach in Australia as they celebrate Hanukkah. How should Christians think through all of this? How does Hebrews 12:28-29 help us?“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”What about the immigration issue? What lesson should we learn from Europe and what can Christians do about it?What is the significance of Romans 13 in light of all of this? Should it be understood as absolute submission? Inquisition: God says it is good to be married. I desire to be married, but am not. How can I keep that from being an idol in my life?

We want to talk about the Malachi series and what it has to do with the renewed interest in Islam, in our country. We have a few well-known figures talking about Islam. The Pope is touting how friendly Muslims can be, Al Mohler is warning about the radicalization of Muslims, and politicians are all over the map. Let’s try to sort this out with a biblical view in mind. What does Malachi have to do with believers living in the US when we think about Islam?   How can we properly apply this as US citizens vs. being Israel with a theocracy?Let’s do a little historical tour. It’s interesting to note the freedom of religion Israel experienced after the Babylonian captivity.     Israel was given victory and blessing when they were obedient to God. This is very instructive for us.But how do we make a proper bridge between their day and our day as US citizens? Consider what senator Tommy Tuberville says about Alabama and Islam. Is the progressive definition of “compassion” really the solution?  Inquisition: Kirk Cameron recently said he currently holds to annihilationism. Does that make him a heretic?

In this episode we play a clip of Megan Basham and Dave Brat talking about the progressive left’s long march through Big Evangelicalism to turn their votes toward them. The cudgel they used was empathy. Is that even Biblical? Now that they have been found out by the actual church members, many of these Woke “Christian” luminaries are on a rehab tour. They are hitting the podcast circuit to say, “We never believed that!”How should we as Christians respond to this? Should we trust these Christian leaders from the era of toxic empathy and wokeness? What would qualify as viable repentance?

Today we talking about the alarming rise of mosque and the infiltration most specifically in Texas. In light of what we’re reading about in the Old Testament in our Malachi series, how should we react to this? What is the difference between say a Catholic and a protestant versus protestants and Muslims or anyone else who worships a different God? Let’s revisit what the founders meant with freedom of religion and why Russell Moore supporting the building of a mosque is not what they intended. The inquisition: If a New Testament believer were to do what Phinehas did, would it be considered wrong in the eyes of God?

In this episode we talk about boldness in the pulpit and how that is connected to church polity. Then we briefly touch on the rise of Islam in Texas. Pastor Mike goes through a little personal history here at the church, and where we are now. We touch on a few reasons why we were hesitant to talk about this topic. Then we discuss the biblical flexibility of church polity and how that can influence what the pastor says from the pulpit. Along with the impact of voting members in a post-Christian culture. How would the polity of a church impact what a Pastor said about BLM, George Floyd, COVID, the Elections and assassination of Charlie Kirk? How should we understand the consistent metaphor of the sheep and the Shepherd as it relates to biblical polity?What are some of the main reasons that drive Pastor Mike’s boldness from the pulpit? We conclude with a brief look at the 48 mosques that have gone up in Texas in the past 24 months. Inquisition: What advice would you give a single mother raising a son or sons?

In this episode we talk about the Christians being murdered in Nigeria and then the rise of Mamdani and Islam in the financial capital of the world, New York City. We discuss President Trump’s attention to the murder of Christians across the globe, and how this is one of many reasons he was the “best gospel” candidate. We play a clip of an Islamic man in New York calling all Muslims to stop hiding and come out, now is their time. Islam should be in every home etc etc…. We discuss how we as Christians should think about this and what should be our action plan. Inquisition: Why can’t women be pastors?

Predestination for the elect, not unbelievers! In this episode we touch on “Christians” in NY praying over and endorsing Zohran Mamdani, and then how the spirit of God continues to be working in our nation’s midst. We spend the majority of the episode discussing the importance of the exclusivity of Scripture as our rule and Authority. Then we dive into the topic of predestined and how biblically it is only used to talk about the elect, not unbelievers. We explain Romans 8:28-30, and Ephesians 1:4-5; 11. The Inquisition: How can I best pray for missionaries I have never personally met?

Today we talk a bit more about what God is doing in our nation in this brief moment of grace; we will spend most of our time on questions as they have been piling up.First we share some recent testimonies of how God’s word is working in people’s hearts.Then we turn to some of our listeners questions. 1. How can I strike a balance between sharing the actual gospel with unbelievers and talking about issues like abortion and transgenderism? (Should I only talk about the gospel and try to ignore the rest?) 2. If my parents believe differently than I do about cultural engagement, how should I interact with them?3. What can, or should, I do to be better prepared to defend biblical truth in our culture?4. How can I best prepare my children for cultural engagement?5. Pastor, you mentioned that your own views on cultural engagement have changed over time. I was wondering if you have had views on other topics change and why they have changed?6. How can I better cultivate the ability to speak the truth in love?7. Is there a way for me to pursue wisdom?

In this episode we discuss what some have noted as the death of third-wayism. We listen to an interesting discussion by some mega church pastors and their thoughts on it.Then we show an example of one of the latest attempts of this from a TGC pastor about “sensitivity” after Charlie’s martyrdom.Then we play is a clip of JD Greer trying to back off of third-wayism. How should Christians think about all of this? What is our part to play in the battle for right and wrong in the culture?

In this episode we talk about 1) the importance of what pastors say and don’t say in the pulpit, 2) the end of Paul’s life and ministry and finally, 3) the test all Christian leaders have been given over the past 5 years. The cold open is from pastor Mike Kelsey from McLean Bible Church, a week after Charlie Kirk’s murder. And as you remember McLean Bible Church is where David Platt is a pastor. We then discuss how Big Evangelicalism has bent the knee to the culture and is now trying to throw sand into the practice and proclamation of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was taking the truth into the darkness, so why would they be so distant from the proclamation of truth? Why have modern pastors become weak and soft, when the sheep need leaders of principle and strength?The end of Paul’s life is such a powerful example of strength and courage to proclaim truth. Which path will you use choose?Speaking of choosing, the past five years have been a test for all Christian leaders. What was the test and what kind of grade did your pastor get?Inquisition: In light of Charlie Kirk’s life, should I get involved in local politics or just national politics?

What should we make of all these recent deaths of spiritual Giants?In this episode we talk about: 1. how brother Voddie Baucham was such a huge loss to the church and culture; 2. fall-out from Charlie Kirk’s murder continues, and 3. The anti-semitism that seems to be at an all time high in the American church. As always the word of God guides us through all of this.Inquisition: Is it ok for me to feel depressed about the recent deaths of godly leaders like MacArthur, Kirk, and Baucham?

In his death, Charlie Kirk has shared the gospel with over 100 million people at one time! What should we think regarding the Kirk memorial and the clear proclamations of the Gospel? This event was unlike any in known history—what will be the impact of this on society? (In attendance was President Trump, Vice President Vance, Sec of State Rubio, Sec of War Hegseth, Sec of Health Kennedy, DNI Gabbard, and Tucker Carlson among many more!)What can we as Christians learn from Charlie Kirk’s life?Was everyone who spoke at the memorial born again? Is it bad if some of them are not born again?What would things be like in a Kamala Harris administration? Why do some Christians still want to stay out of politics?How does God use the evil acts of man to glorify himself? Example: Paul in prison, and the crucification of Jesus. What men think will silence truth, actually reverses on them. In pretense or truth, Christ is preached! Phil 1:12-18What should be on our to-do list on this side of things?

We talk about why the assassination of Charlie Kirk is such a huge deal in our nation.Why did you feel compelled to preach a sermon including this incident? Is the violence really on both sides like some are saying? What’s with all the growing anti - semitism, especially around Charlies murder? And then the cartoon uses of Scripture by politicians to deceive unsuspecting Christians?There are quite a few who are suggesting that any pastor that did not preach on this incident Sunday, displayed a dereliction of duty.  Do you agree or disagree with that statement?What do we make of Christianity today and some others on what they did or didn’t say regarding the issue? So what is your advice to believers in terms of cultural engagement in light of this assassination? What is the connection between Charlie Kirk and John MacArthur‘s preaching ministry?

This Episode (the Pastor as Scholar, was recorded before the assassination of Charlie Kirk) What level of biblical knowledge must a pastor have? Is it true that “the heart of a shepherd is more important than the mind of a scholar” when it comes to ministry?What is the difference between the spiritual gift of Pastor/teacher and the office of an elder?How proficient must an elder be at teaching? What is the importance of an elder leading his home? 

Too much is happening in the world for us not to touch on some of the current issues at hand. So we dive into the mass shooting perpetrated by a transgender individual and how the media is all over the place on this topic. Then we hit some of the new developments with COVID and the “vax.” Then we transition to the topic of expository preaching. What is not expository preaching?Are there different types of expository sermons?Is there a reason to prefer verse by verse, and book by book exposition?Does the Bible give us any specific way to preach? How does expository preaching help the hearers?What are the benefits of expository preaching for the preacher himself? Is it mandatory that every sermon be an expository sermon?Inquisition: Do you think it was a poor decision to have Alistair Begg pray at John MacArthur‘s memorial service?

In this episode we discuss the friendship John Piper and John MacArthur had despite some of their theological differences. How does that happen and why is it a good thing? We also talk about the fact that Alister Begg prayed at John’s memorial service. Why is that a big deal? We talk about the shared dispensational heritage both John’s share and why that is important, espically in light of the growing opposition to that theology. Lastly, we turn to 9 marks, Mark Dever and John MacArthur. Jonathan Leeman and Mark did a podcast recently about things they could celebrate about MacArthur and areas they differed. We play some clips and discuss. This sets us up for our upcoming series on expository preaching. 

We start off with a cold open about the importance of the local church. Then with great caution we talk about the events in Alaska last week, especially on Friday. Our very own Pastor Mike was on assignment in America’s last frontier. The Alaska trip made a stop in Dallas, which leads us to the Lamar Jackson retweet of Charlie Kirk saying it’s all about Jesus. We then go through a segment of Charlie Kirk and discuss the growing trend among gen z males toward Jesus and Christianity. What will give this revival staying power? The local church! How can these young men strengthen their faith and continue to be a light for Christ in the dark world? Tune in and find out.

From the Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson interview to the current calls to occupy Gaza, dispensationalism has been taking a beating. Is the beating warranted? What is the real issue being debated? Why is their growing anti-semitism among Christians within the MAGA movement? Is dispensationalism really the evil behind the post-war consensus? Is the alliance with Israel the driving factor in the endless war machine? This issue has become such a problem that Doug Wilson has had to write a new book to address it. Can you be against needless and endless wars and still be dispensational? Or is postmillennialism the only theological system that allows you to take a stand against the endless war mentality?Andrew Isker & Tucker Carlson Interview -- Cold Open

Difficult people affect all of us and can have a unique effect on pastors in the ministry. What are the positive and negative effects of negative people?  1. Why does God allow difficult people into our lives and specifically into the life of a pastor?2. What are the different tiers or levels of difficult people?3. Who are the most harmful among difficult people (that is harmful to the ministry or to a church)?4. Who are the most hurtful among difficult people (that is hurtful to the pastor or leaders)?5. Is there a way that members of a congregation can support the pastor when it comes to dealing with difficult people? 

In today’s episode we talk about MacArthur as an exegete and the importance of the Bible. We talk about MacArthurs courage, conviction and clarity as he preached and appeared on Larry King’s show. What made him this way and why are so many not like him? Then we dive into the origin of Platonism in the study of the Bible and its negative impact on modern theology.

This episode is a tribute to one of the greats, John MacArthur. It is not a praise of the man, rather a praise of the God this man served. God has used him to leave an indelible imprint on so many. He will be missed.   

The Cold open is from the great S. Lewis Johnson talking about the New Covenant (NC).  Let’s consider what Jeremiah says about the NC: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”Jeremiah 31:31-34 (Read chapters 30-37 for more context.) What are the differing views of its fulfillment: 1. The New Covenant will be fulfilled in the future with national Israel; the church has no relationship to the New Covenant 2. There are two New Covenants—one with Israel and another for the church  3. The New Covenant is completely fulfilled with the church; there is no future fulfillment with national Israel.[though the time of fulfillment differs among views] 4. The New Covenant will be fulfilled with Israel but the spiritual blessings of the covenant areapplied to the church today. 5. The New Covenant will be fulfilled with Israel but the church is an added referent to the New Covenant promises so there is a sense in which the New Covenant is being fulfilled with the church. The New Covenant has two referents—Israel and the church. 6. Since the New Covenant was given to Israel for the purpose of also blessing Gentiles there is literal fulfillment of the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant to all believing Jews and Gentiles in this present age, while the physical/national promises await fulfillment with Jesus’ second coming when national Israel is incorporated into the New Covenant.What I think:What is Pastors Mike’s view?-Isaiah 42-Isaiah 49:6,he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”-2 Corinthians 3:6 Paul says, “who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant,. . .”-Paul in 1 Cor. 11We experience NC blessings today and more is to come in the future with the Rom. 11 conversion of many IsraelitesThe inquisition: Is it ok for another believer to baptize a new believer? Or should the elders of the church perform the baptism?

A lot has happened since the last podcast: bombs in Iran, leaked report, and now a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. We start the cold open with Trump’s report from the NATO summit. We play an AI clip of Trump and then discuss the need for Christians to be diligent in how they gain and assess information from the internet. Following that, we turn to how Christians should process what is happening geopolitically with Israel and Iran. How does Genesis 12 impact our thinking? How is that verse being abused in the current climate? Theologically, why are Christians so divided on this topic? Is the church the new Israel? What is the relationship between Israel and the church? If we correctly understand what the Bible teaches, will we be able to understand how to live in the world around us? How do the two schools of hermeneutics—Abraham’s and Satan’s—impact the way we read and understand the Bible? Inquisition: Did Saint Augustine not believe in a literal 6 day creation? 

Part 1 The world is on a knives edge, what is going on with Israel and Iran? How should Christians think about this? Is long term war a good option for America? Part 2We dive into the sheep & goats judgement at the end of the Olivet Discourse. What principles should we take from this and how has it been misunderstood? What about annihilationism? Is hell eternal? Why is that doctrine so emotionally difficult for many believers to accept?Part 3 We talk about the upcoming sermon and the two hermeneutical approaches that will be discussed. The Seminary of Satan or the Seminary of Abraham! Inquisition: Can you be saved and believe in theistic evolution?

N.T. Wright strikes again! What is the problem with his lack of clarity on the murder of our children (abortion)? How does this lack of clarity seep into other areas of life? Why does it happen? What is the problem with the lack of clarity in scholarship and in the pulpit? What is the effect it can has on the sheep and particularly our children?Article https://christoverall.com/article/concise/in-praise-of-clarity-martin-luther-against-studied-ambiguity/Turning to the Olivet Discourse, how has the lack of clarity impacted our understanding here, specifically in Matthew 25:31,“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.”Is the glorious throne different from God’s throne? Jesus is said to be seated at the right hand of the Father currently—is that the glorious throne? Inquisition: Is it wrong for someone to follow Instagram and/or TikTok pastors?Tune in today!

In this episode we discuss the cultural swing happening in Christianity from “soy boys” to Andrew Tate. Why has the biblical view of true masculinity been abandoned on both sides? What does true masculinity look like and how do we cultivate that in our young men? How does the doctrine of Christ’s Imminent return impact our view of Matthew 24 and 25? What impact does it have on eschatology? Why even preach eschatology? What about the pre-tribulational rapture? What is Paul talking about in 1 Corinthians 15 and then 2 Timothy 4. Lastly we talk about the drama unfolding around Josh Buice and G3 and then things with Bryan Chapell. How should believers think about this? Tune in today.

What were Jesus‘s last words about the kingdom before his ascension?How can we better understand the hermeneutics of the apostles as they ask and then find the answer to this question?  Their question in Acts 1, and Jesus’ teaching about his second coming in Matthew 24 are very much connected. What is there relationship? How does the amillennialist and the postmilliennialist take this passage? Are those viable exegetical solutions? There are different aspects of the kingdom of God in scripture. How does that help us understand what God has said in his word? Should our theological systems judge scripture or should scripture judge our systems? Bottom line, the text has meaning. Who was the first person to allegorize the scripture? What is the link between raising children and allegorizing the text? Does departing from the plain sense of the text impact your children? What is the source of truth and what role does the Holy Spirit play in our pursuit of it? 

We discuss the cultural similarities protestants have with Catholics, yet the stark doctrinal differences. In light of this, should we respect the position pope? Turning to the Olivet discourse, the timing markers in Matthew 24:29-31 seem pretty clear. How do the preterists take this passage? Would the modern Post Millennialist take the same view? There are a variety of different ways people take this passage 1. Jesus is only coming in judgment “seen” by those in Jerusalem at 70 AD. 2. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God after his ascension. Then the angels who go out to gather the elect are the saints evangelizing the world until his Return. What are some of the exegetical problems with this view? Without looking at the text, these ideas can sound good. But what is Jesus saying in the Olivet discourse? Is it possible for us to understand the words recorded for us? Or do we need to look outside the Bible for answers?  We discuss the importance of understanding the different aspects of the Kingdom when reading scripture. Especially as they relate to this passage in Matthew. Lastly, we turn to Acts 1 and briefly touch on what the apostles thought about the timing of the kingdom of God. Tune in today!

Wow, the cold open was wild. Is that the way we are suppose to understand the Bible? What is “newspaper exegesis?” What are the challenges in studying the olivet discourse? What are the challenges to preaching the olivet discourse? What is the difference between seminary classes and preaching? Why is understanding this difference important?What are the dangers of forcing your theology onto the text? How do you avoid that? How exactly should we expect Old Testament prophecies to be fulfilled in the New Testament?Then we engage with some of the preteristic views on the Olivet discourse and the time markers. We discuss the destruction of the temple in 70 AD and then the abomination of desolation being a different event. How should we understand this future temple? Is it even possible for there to be 3rd Temple?How does your view of Israel impact your understanding of Matthew 24? Inquisition: Is it recommended or helpful to change up your devotions?

On this episode we discuss the three major pitfalls to avoid with the Olivet discourse and why they are problematic: 1. All past. 2. All future. 3. Not literal. What makes it hard to interpret this portion of scripture precisely? 1. The morphing of sections and timing together. 2. What questions were the disciples asking and how and why did Jesus answer the way he did?Finally, we talk about the importance of the clear time markers as we seek to understand what Jesus is teaching. Inquisition: Is there a right way or a wrong way to do devotions?

On this episode we discuss the death of the pope, (and yes, we purposely did not capitalize the P in pope!) and his liberal legacy. What has been his impact on society and how should Christians think about this? Then we turn our attention to how the covenants connect to the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24-25. We discuss some of the different views and what our plan for the next series is going to be. This past Sunday Mike made a few controversial statements toward the end of the sermon. We discuss those in more detail. Inquisition: Can a Catholic be saved?

In this episode we take a break from the covenants and do an Easter special! First we get a health update from a special guest. Then we answer 5 questions:  1 What is the importance of the resurrection? 2 How was the resurrection anticipated in the Old Testament? 3 How was Jesus “the first fruits of the resurrection” if Lazarus was raised first?  4 What about the saints who were raised in Matthew 27 when Jesus died and the veil was torn?  5 We explain how the prophecy of 3 days and 3 nights is biblically fulfilled even though it’s not a complete 72 hours. Tune in today!