Edgar Andrews’ Onefootinglory Podcast

Chapter 10 of "What is Man? Adam, alien or ape?" examines whether reality exists independently of the mind, using a house-and-realtor analogy to explore anti-realist views and George Berkeley's theistic solution that reality persists in the mind of God. It argues that science presupposes an objective universe and considers how Berkeley’s ideas support that presupposition. The chapter then shifts to the question of a biblical worldview, defending divine inspiration, the unity of Old and New Testaments, fulfilled prophecy, historical evidence (including the resurrection), and the claim that the Bible provides a coherent, warranted perspective on reality.

Chapter 10 of "What is Man? Adam, alien or ape?" examines whether reality exists independently of the mind, using a house-and-realtor analogy to explore anti-realist views and George Berkeley's theistic solution that reality persists in the mind of God. It argues that science presupposes an objective universe and considers how Berkeley’s ideas support that presupposition. The chapter then shifts to the question of a biblical worldview, defending divine inspiration, the unity of Old and New Testaments, fulfilled prophecy, historical evidence (including the resurrection), and the claim that the Bible provides a coherent, warranted perspective on reality.

This episode begins a short series devoted to the underlying ideas on which biblical faith rests, and consists of selected readings from the author's book "What is Man? Adam, alien or ape?" Published some years ago these readings have been rejuvenated with the help of AI, not to change content but to vastly improve audio clarity and add transcripts. This episode combines two of the original podcasts to help us understand the issues underlying the reliability of the Bible by use of a novel analogy in which the human physical brain and mind are represented respectively by a house and its occupant.

This episode begins a short series devoted to the underlying ideas on which biblical faith rests, and consists of selected readings from the author's book "What is Man? Adam, alien or ape?" Published some years ago these readings have been rejuvenated with the help of AI, not to change content but to vastly improve audio clarity and add transcripts. This episode combines two of the original podcasts to help us understand the issues underlying the reliability of the Bible by use of a novel analogy in which the human physical brain and mind are represented respectively by a house and its occupant.    

Following Paul’s final journey to Rome, after months on Malta, several island "hops", and warm hospitality from believers at Puteoli, Paul arrives in Rome itself (Acts 28:11–22). Detained with few restrictions under house arrest, he is free to receive visitors and explain his mission to Rome’s Jewish leaders, thus encouraging local believers and evangelize enqirers. Perhaps fearing a further assassination attempt by the Jews, the authorities place him in solitary confinement, where he uses his chains to witness to guards and spread the gospel in Caesar's otherwise inaccessible household.Thus he fulfils God's promise that he would preach to Kings and gentiles as well as to the house of Israel (Acts 9:15).

Following Paul’s final journey to Rome, after months on Malta, several island "hops", and warm hospitality from believers at Puteoli, Paul arrives in Rome itself (Acts 28:11–22). Detained with few restrictions under house arrest, he is free to receive visitors and explain his mission to Rome’s Jewish leaders, thus encouraging local believers and evangelize enqirers. Perhaps fearing a further assassination attempt by the Jews, the authorities place him in solitary confinement, where he uses his chains to witness to guards and spread the gospel in Caesar's otherwise inaccessible household.Thus he fulfils God's promise that he would preach to Kings and gentiles as well as to the house of Israel (Acts 9:15).

Are we wasting our time if we preach the gospel to Christians? Could that time be better spent going out into the streets to preach to non believers? If you answer "yes" then most churches wouldn't meet on Sundays since their congregations are already saved! No, we should preach the good news to believers and Paul tells us why in 1 Corintthians 15:1-9, where he warns us against false or "nominal" faith and emphasises the need for constant spiritual renewal through the Word and the Spirit. In doing so he shows how the gospel’s essence is grounded on three historical facts—the virgin birth, the crucufixion and the resurrection, arguing that these historical facts are authenticated by fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and the eyewitness testimony of the New Testament.

Are we wasting our time if we preach the gospel to Christians? Could that time be better spent going out into the streets to preach to non believers? If you answer "yes" then most churches wouldn't meet on Sundays since their congregations are already saved! No, we should preach the good news to believers and Paul tells us why in 1 Corintthians 15:1-9, where he warns us against false or "nominal" faith and emphasises the need for constant spiritual renewal through the Word and the Spirit. In doing so he shows how the gospel’s essence is grounded on three historical facts—the virgin birth, the crucufixion and the resurrection, arguing that these historical facts are authenticated by fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and the eyewitness testimony of the New Testament. 

We explore Rev.1:9–20, contrasting the earthly perspective of churches in tribulation with the heavenly view of churches as golden lampstands and their leaders as stars in Christ’s right hand. Highlighting the church’s responsibility to shine out the gospel, we see the value Christ places on local congregations, and the need to honor and support leaders while relying on Christ to sustain and purify his church.

We explore Rev.1:9–20, contrasting the earthly perspective of churches in tribulation with the heavenly view of churches as golden lampstands and their leaders as stars in Christ’s right hand. Highlighting the church’s responsibility to shine out the gospel, we see the value Christ places on local congregations, and the need to honor and support leaders while relying on Christ to sustain and purify his church.

We explore Rev.1:9–20, contrasting the earthly perspective of churches in tribulation with the heavenly view of churches as golden lampstands and their leaders as stars in Christ’s right hand. Highlighting the church’s responsibility to shine out the gospel, we see the value Christ places on local congregations, and the need to honor and support leaders while relying on Christ to sustain and purify his church. Note; repeat of a very old episode updated by AI 

This episode explores John 15 on the night before Jesus' crucifixion, explaining Jesus as the true vine and teaching what it means for disciples to abide in him. From five clear viewpoints — Authentic believers, Branches of Jesus, Incisions in pruning, Dependence on Christ, and Enduring spiritual rewards — the message shows how trials and "pruning" unfruitful things from our lives produce lasting, Christlike fruit and deep, sustained joy.

This episode explores John 15 on the night before Jesus' crucifixion, explaining Jesus as the true vine and teaching what it means for disciples to abide in him. From five clear viewpoints — Authentic believers, Branches of Jesus, Incisions in pruning, Dependence on Christ, and Enduring spiritual rewards — the message shows how trials and "pruning" unfruitful things from our lives produce lasting, Christlike fruit and deep, sustained joy.

At first sight this passage is pure narrative and contains few lessons for today, but looking closer we discover how the LORD was in total control as he led Paul safely through storm and shipwreck to his desired destination, Caesar's court in Rome. In the same way, the same God watches over his people today as we face the storms and hazards of life in today's uncertain world.

At first sight this passage is pure narrative and contains few lessons for today, but looking closer we discover how the LORD was in total control as he led Paul safely through storm and shipwreck to his desired destination, Caesar's court in Rome. In the same way, the same God watches over his people today as we face the storms and hazards of life in today's uncertain world.

1 Corinthians 13:8–13 enlarges upon Paul’s claim that biblical love never fails since it is the divine love shed abroad in a believer's heart by the Holy Spirit. He explains why some spiritual gifts (like prophecies, tongues, and special knowledge) became progressively redundant as Scripture was completed while others (like evangelists, pastors and teachers) remain until Christ returns. But only one gift, love, also remains eternally, which is why it is the greatest thing in time and eternity.

1 Corinthians 13:8–13 enlarges upon Paul’s claim that biblical love never fails since it is the divine love shed abroad in a believer's heart by the Holy Spirit. He explains why some spiritual gifts (like prophecies, tongues, and special knowledge) became progressively redundant as Scripture was completed while others (like evangelists, pastors and teachers) remain until Christ returns. But only one gift, love, also remains eternally, which is why it is the greatest thing in time and eternity.  

Our previous podcast on 1 Corinthians 13:7 considered the first two characteristics of love, namely that love 'bears all things' and 'believes all things'. Here we complete the verse by explaining why and how 'Love hopes all things' and 'Love endures all things.' We distinguish two kinds of hope—'happy' hope (hoping that things will turn out well) and godly hope (future certainty grounded in God’s promises and the work of the Holy Spirit)—and shows how the believer’s hope in eternal life shapes his/her present conduct. The sermon also explains how love for self and for God empowers Christians to endure suffering, exemplified by the book of Job, Romans, 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, Paul's letter to Titus, and 1 Peter.

Our previous podcast on 1 Corinthians 13:7 considered the first two characteristics of love, namely that love 'bears all things' and 'believes all things'. Here we complete the verse by explaining why and how 'Love hopes all things' and 'Love endures all things.' We distinguish between two kinds of hope—'happy' hope (hoping that things will turn out well) and godly hope (future certainty grounded in God’s promises and the work of the Holy Spirit)—and shows how the believer’s hope in eternal life shapes his/her present conduct. The sermon also explains how love for self and for God empowers Christians to endure suffering, exemplified by the book of Job, Romans, 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, Paul's letter to Titus, and 1 Peter.

In the previous episode of this short series on 1 Corinthians 13, we considered six things that biblical love can never do. We now turn to four things that, according to the Apostle Paul, love always does do, namely, it "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and edures all things" (v.7). Although the statement is brief its content is profound and here we shall only have time to consider how the first two of these characteristics of love fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). The other two will be dealt with in the next episode. Here we explain how Christian love ‘‘bears all things’’ by lifting and sharing the burdens of others and ‘‘believes all things’’ by trusting God’s truth, the Scriptures.

In the previous episode of this short series on 1 Corinthians 13, we considered six things that biblical love can never do. We now turn to four things that, according to the Apostle Paul, love always does do, namely, it "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and edures all things" (v.7). Although the statement is brief its content is profound and here we shall only have time to consider how the first two of these characteristics of love fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). The other two will be dealt with in the next episode. Here we explain how Christian love ‘‘bears all things’’ by lifting and sharing the burdens of others and ‘‘believes all things’’ by trusting God’s truth, the Scriptures.  

Continuing our short series on Paul's famous chapter on love, we use an imaginary protest-movement to illuminate his teaching in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, where he lists things that genuine love will never do, pointing out that biblical love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, is not rude, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, but by contrast, rejoices in the truth. We consider each of these in turn and show how every negative has a positive counterpart which, if embraced personally and corporately, leads to blessing, joy and the glory of God.

Continuing our short series on Paul's famous chapter on love, we use an imaginary protest-movement to illuminate his teaching in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, where he lists things that genuine love will never do, pointing out that biblical love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, is not rude, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, but by contrast, rejoices in the truth. We consider each of these in turn and show how every negative has a positive counterpart which, if embraced personally and corporately, leads to blessing, joy and the glory of God.  

Paul was put on trial many times by Jewish and Roman authorities but his testimony before King Agrippa is the most valuable to us because of its length and detail. Here are some of the "things we can profitably take home" from Acts 25:23 to 26:32. An understanding of 1) the character of the Roman elite which explains much of their behaviour towards Jews and Christians of the first century; 2) the profound contrast between Paul's humility and Roman empty pride; 3) how Paul turned his defence into a powerful proclamation of Jesus and the resurrection; and 4) lessons on the believer's need for endurance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Paul was put on trial many times by Jewish and Roman authorities but his testimony before King Agrippa is the most valuable to us because of its length and detail. Here are some of the "things we can profitably take home" from Acts 25:23 to 26:32. An understanding of 1) the character of the Roman elite which explains much of their behaviour towards Jews and Christians of the first century; 2) the profound contrast between Paul's humility and Roman empty pride; 3) how Paul turned his defence into a powerful proclamation of Jesus and the resurrection; and 4) lessons on the believer's need for endurance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Paul argues that spiritual gifts are given to build up the local church, but they are useless unless exercised in love. This episode traces the purpose of gifts from Ephesians 4, shows why 1 Corinthians 13 is integral to that discussion, and warns—using Revelation’s letter to Ephesus—of the peril of a successful yet loveless church. It concludes with Paul’s portrait of what true Christian love looks like and why it is the greatest virtue.

What purpose do spiritual gifts serve? Continuing our studies in 1 Corinthians we find the answer as we read the first three verses of chapter 13 alongside Ephesians 4:8-16. We learn firstly that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church. We find secondly that this building up is the joint responsibility of every believer in a local church. We are told that the priority is to build up the church in love and that in the absence of love our spiritual gifts are useless and a church enjoys no spiritual growth. Finally we are warned in Revelation 2:1 that a loveless church stands in peril of being removed by Christ since it serves no purpose in the plan of God.

What purpose do spiritual gifts serve? Continuing our studies in 1 Corinthians we find the answer as we read the first three verses of chapter 13 alongside Ephesians 4:8-16. We learn firstly that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church. We find secondly that this building up is the joint responsibility of every believer in a local church. We are told that the priority is to build up the church in love and that in the absence of love our spiritual gifts are useless and a church enjoys no spiritual growth. Finally we are warned in Revelation 2:1 that a loveless church stands in peril of being removed by Christ since it serves no purpose in the plan of God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 Paul addresses whether Christians may eat food offered to idols. It draws out three timeless principles beneath the local issue: the cause of Christian liberty (freedom in Christ under the law of Christ), the care of Christian liberty (put others first and avoid causing offense), and the concern of Christian liberty (do everything for God’s glory). The talk emphasizes gentle, humble witness aimed at the salvation of others and grounding freedom in the sovereignty and Word of God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 Paul addresses whether Christians may eat food offered to idols. It draws out three timeless principles beneath the local issue: the cause of Christian liberty (freedom in Christ under the law of Christ), the care of Christian liberty (put others first and avoid causing offense), and the concern of Christian liberty (do everything for God’s glory). The talk emphasizes gentle, humble witness aimed at the salvation of others and grounding freedom in the sovereignty and Word of God.

In Acts 9:15 we learn that Paul was God's chosen instrument to bear Christ's name to Kings. Now that prediction is about to be fulfilled as the Apostle heads to Rome in chains, an apparently helpless prisoner of the Romans. Only Paul understood that this was God's way of bringing the gospel to a world leader and his inner circle. To the Romans he is on trial for his life but in reality he is the preacher of Christ. In Acts 25 we trace Paul's trials, both legal and physical as the Lord works out His sovereign purpose.  

In Acts 9:15 we learn that Paul was God's chosen instrument to bear Christ's name to Kings. Now that prediction is about to be fulfilled as the Apostle heads to Rome in chains, an apparently helpless prisoner of the Romans. Only Paul understood that this was God's way of bringing the gospel to a world leader and his inner circle. To the Romans he is on trial for his life but in reality he is the preacher of Christ. In Acts 25 we trace Paul's trials, both legal and physical as the Lord works out His sovereign purpose.    

Acts 24 recounts Paul’s trial before Governor Felix where Paul, falsely accused, calmly defends his faith and integrity, contrasting his clear conscience with the dead consciences of his false accusers and the guilty procrastinating conscience of Felix. Through the courtroom drama the episode explores themes of truth, justice and conscience, urging us all to confess our sins and daily recover and cultivate a clear conscience through faith in the Christ who bore our sins on the cross.

Acts 24 recounts Paul’s trial before Governor Felix where Paul, falsely accused, calmly defends his faith and integrity, contrasting his clear conscience with the dead consciences of his false accusers and the guilty procrastinating conscience of Felix. Through the courtroom drama the episode explores themes of truth, justice and conscience, urging us all to confess our sins and daily recover and cultivate a clear conscience through faith in the Christ who bore our sins on the cross.

We may not have Paul's vision but every believer has his experience; The Lord is near in Person by his Spirit and guides our feet by providence. Chris Boraston's message on Acts 23:11-35 demonstrates how the Lord comforts Paul by his presence and confirms his promise to send him to Rome by a series of amazing providences. A conspiracy of over forty Jews threatens to kill him but Paul's nephew is providentially in the right place at the right time to overhear their plot and alert the authorities. The Roman tribune providentially beieves the boy and swiftly moves Paul under guard to Caesarea. Providentially, Governor Felix was at home, and Paul preached Christ to him and his entourage .

We may not have Paul's vision but every believer has his experience; The Lord is near in Person by his Spirit and guides our feet by providence. Chris Boraston's message on Acts 23:11-35 demonstrates how the Lord comforts Paul by his presence and confirms his promise to send him to Rome by a series of amazing providences. A conspiracy of over forty Jews threatens to kill him but Paul's nephew is providentially in the right place at the right time to overhear their plot and alert the authorities. The Roman tribune providentially beieves the boy and swiftly moves Paul under guard to Caesarea. Providentially, Governor Felix was at home, and Paul preached Christ to him and his entourage .  

This 2026 New Year message on Galatians 5 was not published at the time but grows ever more relevant in the light of recent political and moral events. We review the notable decline in faithfulness to truth evident over the past five years and assert that the only truly faithful person is the biblical God who provides stability in the storms of human affairs. Even those who believe in him through Christ will be swept along by the waves of change unless they rely on the Holy Spirit's gifts of faithfulness and love to remain true to themselves and their God.

This 2026 New Year message on Galatians 5 was not published at the time but grows ever more relevant in the light of recent political and moral events. We review the notable decline in faithfulness to truth evident over the past five years and assert that the only truly faithful person is the biblical God who provides stability in the storms of human affairs. Even those who believe in him through Christ will be swept along by the waves of change unless they rely on the Holy Spirit's gifts of faithfulness and love to remain true to themselves and their God.    

We follow the momentous battle between two edicts, Haman's and Mordecai's (Esther chapters 8 and 9). Mordecai's edict sought to cancel Haman's, which legally must be implemented in spite of Haman's death and would have seen the Jews exterminated. We saw last time that Mordecai had no option but to make his new edict take effect on the same day as Haman's prior edict. A civil war seemed unavoidable, with the Jews an easy target for their enemies. How could they survive? By the sovereign intervention of God, fear of whom paralyzed the enemy and gave the Jews an almost bloodless victory.    

We follow the momentous battle between two edicts, Haman's and Mordecai's (Esther chapters 8 and 9). Mordecai's edict sought to cancel Haman's, which legally must be implemented in spite of Haman's death and would have seen the Jews exterminated. We saw last time that Mordecai had no option but to make his new edict take effect on the same day as Haman's prior edict. A civil war seemed unavoidable, with the Jews an easy target for their enemies. How could they survive? By the sovereign intervention of God, fear of whom paralyzed the enemy and gave the Jews an almost bloodless victory.

Acts 3 records the first detailed description of a miracle after Pentecost, when Peter and John meet a man lame-born at the temple gate and heal him in the name of Jesus. The resulting joy, praise and amazement provide Peter with an opportunity to preach Christ and the resurrection to the multitude, but also marks the beginning of persecution of the infant Christian church. The message goes on to show how the lame man's physical transformation is mirrored in the spiritual transformation of all who call on Christ in faith, showing Jesus to be the gateway to new life and fellowship with God.

Acts 3 records the first detailed description of a miracle after Pentecost, when Peter and John meet a man lame-born at the temple gate and heal him in the name of Jesus. The resulting joy, praise and amazement provide Peter with an opportunity to preach Christ and the resurrection to the multitude, but also marks the beginning of persecution of the infant Christian church. The message goes on to show how the lame man's physical transformation is mirrored in the spiritual transformation of all who call on Christ in faith, showing Jesus to be the gateway to new life and fellowship with God.

In the previous podcast we saw that the "image of God" in man consists of his sharing the "communicable" attributes of God, a capacity unique to human beings. we selected just three of these attributes for deeper study, namely spitituality, mind and spoken language. There was time to deal with only the first of these in that podcast so here we continue to explore two of the remaining attributes God shares with humanity, namely mind and language. We distinguishes human thought from animal intelligence and explain how spoken language is a unique capacity allowing mind to function. God uses these attributes on his own behalf to reveal and sustain creation, culminating in Christ as the Word, God's ultimate self-revelation. The episode urges us all to recognize that humans were made for fellowship with God and are called to respond to his message of salvation.

In the previous podcast we saw that the "image of God" in man consists of his sharing the "communicable" attributes of God, a capacity unique to human beings. we selected just three of these attributes for deeper study, namely spitituality, mind and spoken language. There was time to deal with only the first of these in that podcast so here we continue to explore two of the remaining attributes God shares with humanity, namely mind and language. We distinguishes human thought from animal intelligence and explain how spoken language is a unique capacity allowing mind to function. God uses these attributes on his own behalf to reveal and sustain creation, culminating in Christ as the Word, God's ultimate self-revelation. The episode urges us all to recognize that humans were made for fellowship with God and are called to respond to his message of salvation.

This lecture, based broadly on the speaker's book "What is Man; Adam, alien or ape?" examines the biblical claim that humanity is uniquely made in the image of God and  that humans are a special creation rather than an accident of evolution. We show that bearing the "image of God" means that God shares with man His "communicable attributes" of spirituality, mind, and language (among other such attributes) implying that humans have moral and spiritual responsibilities for which we are answerable to God. [this is Part one of a two-part podcast; Part 2 will follow next week]

This lecture, based broadly on the speaker's book "What is Man; Adam, alien or ape?" examines the biblical claim that humanity is uniquely made in the image of God and  that humans are a special creation rather than an accident of evolution. We show that bearing the "image of God" means that God shares with man His "communicable attributes" of spirituality, mind, and language (among other such attributes) implying that humans have moral and spiritual responsibilities for which we are answerable to God. [this is Part one of a two-part podcast; Part 2 will follow next week]

In Esther chapter 8 we follow Esther's urgent plea to the King after Haman's death, confronting an unchangeable edict that still threatens the Jews across the Persian Empire. The King's unexpected provision—the signet ring given to Mordecai—creates a new path to protect the people without breaking the law. We also see Mordecai's difficulty in formulating a plan to counter Haman's decree, the surprising spread of the fear of God that leads many to join the Jews, and reflections on prayer, authority, and the divine sovereignty that shapes the chapter's message.

In Esther chapter 8 we follow Esther's urgent plea to the King after Haman's death, confronting an unchangeable edict that still threatens the Jews across the Persian Empire. The King's unexpected provision—the signet ring given to Mordecai—creates a new path to protect the people without breaking the law. We also see Mordecai's difficulty in formulating a plan to counter Haman's decree, the surprising spread of the fear of God that leads many to join the Jews, and reflections on prayer, authority, and the divine sovereignty that shapes the chapter's message.

We use Paul's Paul’s address to the Athenians (Acts 17) as a template to explain the biblical worldview. This is where we must begin when seeking to preach the gospel to people with no spiritual background ... a growing number even in so-called Christian nations. Thus we outline the following key elements: God as Creator (ex nihilo), God’s providence, sovereignty, and immanence, human sin, man's accountability to God, and the centrality of Christ to the Bible's message

We use Paul's Paul’s address to the Athenians (Acts 17) as a template to explain the biblical worldview. This is where we must begin when seeking to preach the gospel to people with no spiritual background ... a growing number even in so-called Christian nations. Thus we outline the following key elements: God as Creator (ex nihilo), God’s providence, sovereignty, and immanence, human sin, man's accountability to God, and the centrality of Christ to the Bible's message.