We have gotten a number of questions regarding Lordship Salvation and the historic, reformed position on it. So, today, that is what Jon and Justin talk about. We talk about concerns over the definition of faith, the collapsing of law and gospel, and confusion on the uses of the law. We interact with John MacArthur's book, "The Gospel According to Jesus," as well as Michael Horton's "Christ the Lord." Semper Reformanda: The guys talk more on uses of the law--and how confusing the first and third...
Jul 14, 2021
In the church, we care for souls. But what is it that we are doing in that work? It is our conviction that we are helping one another die well--with dignity and hope. That may sound like a strange thing to say, but we are convinced it's biblical. In this life, we are weak and frail. We experience suffering and pain. Yet, Christ is our hope. And he has secured for us a life that is beyond this one. Semper Reformanda: The guys discuss a theology of the cross versus a theology of glory. And, we con...
Jul 07, 2021•44 min
How would you describe a strong Christian? If you were to make a list of what characterizes a mature Christian, what would you put on that list? At Theocast, we are convinced that many would not answer these questions the way the apostles would have. As we look to the New Testament, what does it say about those who are strong in the church? Semper Reformanda: The guys discuss parachurch ministries and how they have often contributed to the confusion about what characterizes a strong Christian. T...
Jun 30, 2021•43 min
Biblicism might sound like a good thing...but it's not. Biblicism is a methodology that tends to introduce confusion and mystery into the Scriptures where there isn't any. It also tends to confuse doctrinal and theological categories such as law/gospel distinction and faith versus works. Jon and Justin consider these things and more in this episode. Semper Reformanda: The guys discuss how biblicism is related to theonomy and unhelpful views on the nation of Israel. And, as a bonus, we get into a...
Jun 23, 2021•42 min
Is the whole Bible really about Jesus? Here at Theocast, we believe that it is. Jon and Justin consider the pattern of Jesus and the apostles with regard to how they understood the Bible. The guys consider typology and how it is useful in understanding the Scriptures--and biblicism and how it is not helpful. Semper Reformanda: Justin talks about the thing that has most impacted his preaching. Jon and Justin then discuss how important it is to see that every promise of Scripture finds its fulfill...
Jun 16, 2021•44 min
People often get the impression that being a disciple of Jesus is only for the strong. When it comes to discipleship, there is no room for fear or doubt. Is that the presentation of the gospel writers? Is that what we see in the New Testament epistles? Are followers of Jesus ever afraid? Do they doubt? Jon and Justin consider these things. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss the apostle Paul and how he understood himself to be the foremost of sinners. And then the guys go on to talk about ...
Jun 09, 2021•44 min
If you look around in the church or on Christian social media, there seems to be a lot of confusion about repentance. What exactly is it, biblically? In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about repentance from various places in Scripture. And they consider repentance at conversion and the ongoing repentance that characterizes the Christian life. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss how none of us can adequately repent, how repentance is not penance, as well the fact that the Christian life i...
Jun 02, 2021•41 min
Can Christians sin to the point that there is no mercy left? Is it normal for Christians to struggle with sin--even heinous or intentional sins? When Christians sin badly and for a long time, do we fall from God's favor? Is there any comfort for the struggler? Jon and Justin consider all of this and more in today's episode. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin discuss the views of different traditions when it comes to apostasy and struggles with sin. Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 11:3 Romans ...
May 26, 2021•45 min
Is there any Christ in your Genesis? The book of Genesis is often mishandled. Peripheral things are over-emphasized and the main point is lost. Jon and Justin talk about Genesis from a redemptive-historical, covenantal, and Christ-centered perspective. Semper Reformanda Podcast: Jon and Justin take a deeper dive into covenant theology and the book of Genesis. It is our perspective that Genesis cannot be rightly understood apart from a covenantal framework. We aim to explain how and why. Resource...
May 19, 2021•43 min
Let's be real, self-righteousness is a problem in the church. When we are self-righteous, it is very dangerous for others--and it is detrimental for ourselves. Jon and Justin talk about the blindness of self-righteousness, the harm that comes from it, and, of course, the sufficiency of Christ. Semper Reformanda Podcast: Jon and Justin speak to people who are in the "cage stage" of coming out of pietism. In short, calm down, trust Christ, love others, and pursue obedience. The guys also consider ...
May 12, 2021•45 min
A lot of times when we look at our lives, we question the grace of God. Maybe that's because of how we're doing, spiritually. Or it could be because our circumstances are hard. We wrestle with whether God really is graciously inclined toward us. What is the antidote to this? It is to look to Christ. He is the evidence of God's grace toward us. Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk about the goodness and the sweetness of confessional theology--as well as the confusion and harm that exists outsid...
May 05, 2021•43 min
"Jesus-plus" theology has always been popular. People add things to the gospel and to Jesus in order to legitimize their Christian lives. Is Jesus really enough for us? Not just for our salvation, but for our Christian lives? Aren't there other things we need to be concerned for? Jon and Justin consider this and more. Semper Reformanda: They guys begin by giving give more information about our plans for Semper Reformanda. And then, Jon and Justin talk about the woke church. Is the woke church pr...
Apr 28, 2021•41 min
Our listeners have been asking for a podcast about leaving dispensationalism. We try to give the people what they want! Jon and Justin talk about why we are not dispensational. We talk personally and theologically, covering topics such as: the redemptive-historical framework of Scripture, covenant theology, law/gospel distinction, sanctification, and the ordinary means of grace. Semper Reformanda Podcast: In our first ever Semper Reformanda podcast, we talk more in-depth about the differences be...
Apr 21, 2021•49 min
Many people struggle with the church. We go and it feels plastic. Inauthentic. Or it seems like the church is full of people who understand themselves to be crushing it. And so, it doesn't seem there is a place for the weak or miserable sinner. As a result, many people are disenchanted with the church. Where did all this come from? Is there something better? Semper Reformanda Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the corporate nature of everything in the life of the church. We survey Ephesians 4 an...
Apr 14, 2021•48 min
What is the posture of Jesus toward those who trust him? In Matthew 11, Jesus invites the weary to come to him that they might find rest. He says he is gentle and lowly in heart. Is that how you have heard Jesus presented? Or have you been told that he is harsh, exacting, and probably disappointed in you? Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the patience, mercy, and gentleness of Christ--and how much we all need to be reminded of that. The guys also discuss self-righteousness and confusio...
Apr 07, 2021•47 min
"I never knew you; depart from me," are words in Matthew 7 many of us fear we will hear from Jesus. Should we live in fear that we will finally be rejected by Christ for not doing enough? Was that his intention? Or did he mean something else? Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the importance of law/gospel distinction in the Sermon the Mount, as well as how to love and care for those with a tender conscience. Book give away: "Safe in Christ: A Primer on Assurance" SUPPORT Theocast: https...
Mar 31, 2021•43 min
Are you a legalist or an antinomian? Most people would claim they are neither. But many Christians don't know what to do with God's law. Jon and Justin talk about the law and the gospel--and how it is Paul could say he delighted in God's law. Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about why it is that so many people leave legalism and head into antinomianism. They also give counsel to those leaving legalism and are wanting to help others do the same.
Mar 24, 2021•44 min
"Take up your cross and follow me." What did Jesus mean when he said that? Is he calling us to hate our wives, kids, and parents? Is he calling us to be willing to suffer anything if we are going to be his followers? Is he laying down a test of radical discipleship? Or is he calling us to something else? Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the heart behind Theocast, as well as some theological categories that will help us understand the Bible. Links: Episode on Law/Gospel: https://theoca...
Mar 17, 2021
People like to talk about the "demands of the gospel." But does the gospel make demands of us? Must we forsake sin in order to come to Christ? Do we need to make Jesus Lord of our lives? Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about obedience and the uses of the law. What is the first use of the law? What is the third use? Are there ways these are often confused? FOLLOW Theocast: http://theocast.org https://twitter.com/theocast_org https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org https://www.instagram.com/th...
Mar 10, 2021•41 min
Many of us have spent our Christian lives chasing after experiences. We live in pursuit of spiritual highs and that "first-time feeling." There is something different and better. Jon and Justin talk about what that is. Members Podcast: The guys talk about pietistic, emotionally-based preaching, as well as the armor of God and the Lord's Table. Our Free eBook: Theocast.org/Primer FOLLOW Theocast: http://theocast.org https://twitter.com/theocast_org https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org https://ww...
Mar 03, 2021•45 min
What is Christian liberty? Is it about more than alcohol, dancing, and music? What is the weaker brother? What is it that governs the exercise of our freedoms? Jon and Justin consider these questions. Members Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about how to go about setting people free who have been in a heavy-handed church context. FOLLOW Theocast: http://theocast.org https://twitter.com/theocast_org https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org https://www.instagram.com/theocast_org...
Feb 24, 2021•44 min
What is the purpose of your sanctification? Who is it for? (Hint: It's not for you.) We survey a number of passages from the New Testament to demonstrate the point of our growth in Christ. Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about how freeing it is to realize your sanctification isn't for you. Recommended Resources: Dazed and Confused: Hebrews 12:1-14 and Holiness
Feb 17, 2021•44 min
Where does all bad theology come from? From our perspective, it comes from a loss of the church's one foundation--that is, Jesus Christ and his work counted to us by faith alone. Members Podcast: Jon and Justin deal with common objections to "faith alone" and "Christ alone." FOLLOW Theocast: http://theocast.org https://twitter.com/theocast_org https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org https://www.instagram.com/theocast_org
Feb 10, 2021•44 min
Should you regularly be questioning your salvation? What about self-examination? When and how should you do that? The guys answer these questions and consider several passages of Scripture that speak to these issues. Members' Podcast: The guys pointedly answer the question posed by John Piper's article, "How often should you question your salvation?" Link to Article FOLLOW Theocast: http://theocast.org https://twitter.com/theocast_org https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org https://www.instagram.c...
Feb 03, 2021•43 min
There are a number of things discussed in the church as though they are part of the gospel--things like faith, repentance, obedience, and surrendering all to Jesus. But are these things the gospel? The guys have that conversation. Members' Podcast: The guys have a pastoral conversation about how the gospel isn't about us at all. Recommended Resources: "Faith vs Faithfulness: A Primer on Rest" "Safe in Christ: A Primer on Assurance" Episode: Law/Gospel Episode: Assurance "The Whole Christ" by Sin...
Jan 27, 2021•49 min
Jon and Justin discuss an article entitled, “4 Ways Bad Biblical Theology Warps Sermons.” Is Christ-centered, redemptive-historical preaching dangerous? Is it unhelpful? Does it produce bad things in the church? The guys talk about this—and more. Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the concerns that might be underneath an article like the one discussed in today's episode.
Jan 20, 2021•53 min
At Theocast, we talk a lot about pietism. What is it? What is the difference in piety and pietism? How does pietism affect us? Is there something better? If you find yourself struggling in the Christian life, is there something wrong with you? The guys answer these questions and more. Members Podcast Description: The guys give advice to those who are stuck in a pietistic context.
Jan 13, 2021•47 min
2020 has been a difficult year. (Understatement.) Jon and Justin reflect on what they have learned, as well as the faithfulness of God. Members Podcast: The guys continue reflecting on 2020 and the faithfulness of God. Read Episode Transcripts
Jan 06, 2021•45 min
We had the joy of recording with Chad Bird, Daniel Emery Price, and Erick Sorensen of the 1517.org ministry for a special Christmas podcast. Why is the incarnation of Jesus important? How does it bring us hope, joy, and peace? We hope this conversation is uplifting and encouraging.
Dec 21, 2020•41 min
Many listeners are tracking with us that Christ is enough--that he has completely saved us. Many have come to see that pietism is unhelpful. But, now, you're wondering: What do I do now? If that's you, this podcast is for you. The post Christ Is Enough…Now What? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology .
Dec 16, 2020•51 min
