Radically Christian

Many congregations preface Communion with short Communion talks. This Communion talk typically consists of a Scripture reading and a few thoughts to help the church prepare emotionally and mentally for sharing the bread and the cup. Today's Bible study will hopefully be an encouragement to those who lead in this capacity. The post How to Give Better Communion Talks appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What is the best marriage advice in the Bible? It may not be what you think. Hollee and Wes McAdams discuss why much of the marriage advice given today in books, seminars, and by well-meaning individuals often does not get to the heart of the issue. The post The Best Marriage Advice in the Bible appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Forgiven people forgive people. In today's Bible Study, Wes McAdams discusses forgiveness with Billy McGuiggan. For followers of Jesus, it is important that we both experience and extend forgiveness. Unfortunately, many of us tend to struggle with both of these aspects of forgiveness. The post Forgiven People Forgive People appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today's Bible Study considers the question, what is an evangelist? This question comes from Jeff, who asks, "Over the past year or two, I’ve thought a lot about the role of the evangelist and what exactly Paul means to “do the work of the evangelist” (2 Tim 4:5). It’s interesting that the word form εὐαγγελιστής is only used 3x in the NT, yet we build a lot of our congregational ministry in the churches of Christ around that role/office. The post What is an Evangelist? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Every follower of Jesus should hold himself or herself to a higher standard than they hold anyone else. Today's Bible study was prompted by one of Travis' favorite quotes from "The Chosen" television series. In Season Two, Episode 1, Jesus says, “I ask a lot of those who follow me, but I ask little of those who do not.” The post Holding Ourselves to a Higher Standard appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What is karma? What does the Bible say about karma? Should Christians believe in karma? These are some of the questions Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss in today’s Bible study. This episode was prompted by a listener named Jonathan. Buddhism and Hinduism teach karma in connection with reincarnation. These religions believe your current life […]The post What Does the Bible Say About Karma? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What if someone is baptized for the wrong reason? What does the Bible say about the validity of a baptism that was for the wrong reason? Christians have debated these types of questions for centuries. People worry whether they knew enough, believed the right things, or did everything in the right way for their baptism […]The post Baptized for the Wrong Reason appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams interviews Michael Whitworth about his new book, The Son's Supremacy: A Guide to Hebrews. If you are interested in an encouraging and in-depth study of Hebrews, "The Son's Supremacy" is an excellent help. Whitworth is an incredibly talented, knowledgable, and engaging author. His book will help many better understand the book of Hebrews. The post A Bible Study Guide to Hebrews appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

1 John 3:20 says, "...whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart"? What does John mean by this? That is the question Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss in today's Bible study. The post When Our Heart Condemns Us (1 John 3:20) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Is stoicism compatible with Christianity? In what ways does stoic philosophy agree with Christian thought? In what ways does stoic philosophy contradict Christian thought? These are some of the questions Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss on today’s podcast. This discussion was prompted by one of our listeners, Ryan, who has noticed an increasing number […]The post Is Stoicism Compatible with Christianity? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What is the “perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10? That is the question that Wes and Travis tackle in today’s Bible study. This question was raised by a listner, who wrote, “1 Corinthians 13:10 says, ‘but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.’ I’ve always heard (and my husband still firmly believes) ‘the perfect’ […]The post What is the “Perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today’s question comes from Stephen Scaggs, who writes, “Paul often gives a theology to work. Will we work in the new creation? What does it mean ‘their work follows them’? In connection to the bodily resurrection, what does it mean when Paul says our work is ‘not in vain’? Should we love our work?” In […]The post What the Bible Says About Our Work appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today's Bible Study Podcast is a bit different. Hollee McAdams joins us to ask Wes some questions about his first twenty years in ministry.The post Lessons Learned from 20 Years in Ministry appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today's Bible study discussion revolves around the question, "Was Jesus harsh with people?" This question was prompted by listener Randall Dickey. Should we perceive Jesus as a harsh person? Was he harsh, in general? Why did Jesus have moments, like the cleansing of the temple, when he was relatively harsh? Should we imitate Jesus' "harsh" behavior? These are some of the questions we tackle in today's Bible study and we hope this conversation is a blessing to you.The post Was Jesus “Harsh” with People? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Should we obey God out of love or fear? This is what listener Neal Cook would like to know. Neal asked about the contrast between Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, which says: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will […]The post Should We Obey God Out of Love or Fear? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

How do we cope when spiritual leaders fall? Is it possible to keep them from falling? Can we ensure their fall doesn't bring us down with them? Is there a way to prevent such people from becoming leaders in the first place? These are very difficult questions, but they are questions with which the church must wrestle. The post Coping with the Fall of Spiritual Leaders appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and Caleb Cochran discuss a question about sexual immorality, which was submitted by one of our listeners, “The bible references sexual immorality pretty often, but what does that mean exactly? I feel like that’s a vague term and would have a very difficult time explaining it to someone wanting to pursue Christ.” Special […]The post What is Sexual Immorality in the Bible? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and Steven Cuffle discuss the issue of Christian unity. We all know that Christian unity is important, but why is it important and how can it be achieved? Christians have been arguing and fighting with one another for nearly 2,000 years. So, how can we be unified when we disagree on so many […]The post Can Christians Be Unified When We Disagree? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and Steven Cuffle continue their discussion on how the Bible defines justice. In this episode, biblical justice is compared to four other justice theories. How do secular thinkers define justice and how do those definitions compare with the Bible's definition of justice? Is it possible that we, as Christians, have adopted a secular view of justice more than a biblical view?The post Justice (Part Two): Biblical Justice Versus Secular Justice appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What does the Bible say about justice and how does the Bible’s definition of justice compare to modern theories about justice? This is the topic Wes McAdams and special guest, Steven Cuffle, will be discussing in this two-part conversation. In this first episode, Wes and Steven discuss the various aspects of justice in both the […]The post Justice (Part One): How the Bible Describes Justice appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

On this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and today's guest, Luke Dockery, discuss a question from a listener about the fake news phenomenon. How should Christians respond to the fake new phenomenon? How can Christians have more discernment about what is true and discretion about what to share? We hope you enjoy this conversation.The post How Should Christians Handle Fake News? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and today's guest, Luke Dockery, discuss the meaning of Jesus' parable of the shrewd, dishonest, or unjust manager from Luke 16:1-13. What does Jesus mean by commending a dishonest or shrewd man? What does Jesus mean when he says, "Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth" (Luke 16:9)? Is Jesus being ironic or is Jesus teaching us how we should use money? Wes and Luke discuss both possibilities. Special thanks to John Shipley, one of our listeners, who submitted this question for discussion.The post Jesus’ Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and his wife, Hollee McAdams, discuss "cancel culture." It is often assumed that cancel culture is something new. But in reality, every culture has canceled people for violating certain core values. Wes and Hollee discuss questions like: What is cancel culture? Is it always wrong to cancel people? What should be the goal of correction and discipline? What does the Bible say about cancel culture?The post How Christians Respond to Cancel Culture appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Our Bible study question today revolves around being justified by faith. Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley study through Romans 3 and discuss words like justice, righteousness, and justification. What does it mean to be justified by faith? What does God's justice look like? What does it look like for justified people to do justice? We hope you enjoy this conversation.The post Doing Justice and Being Justified by Faith appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today's discussion was prompted by a listener, who asked, "What does the phrase, 'washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit' mean?" This phrase comes from Titus 3:5 and is the text that Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley discuss in this episode.The post Washing of Regeneration and Renewal of the Holy Spirit appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams visits with Travis Pauley and Caleb Kirkwood (who are both in their 20s) to consider their unique perspective on how worship attendance will fair in a post-covid world. Will young people return to worship after the threat of the pandemic has subsided? Will live streaming have negative long-term effects on the future of the church? These are some of the questions we discuss in this episode of the Bible study podcast.The post The Future of Church Attendance – Bible Study Podcast appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams, Travis Pauley, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss the idea that there are only five acts of worship and that all five must be practiced each time we gather.The post Five Acts of Worship? – Bible Study Podcast appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams, Travis Pauley, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss the idea of "servant leadership" and what Jesus really has to say about being a leader and becoming a leader. How is leadership different for servant's of God's kingdom?The post What Does Jesus Say About Christian Leadership? – Bible Study Podcast appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What do people mean when they refer to a sinful nature? Do we have a sinful nature? If so, how do we overcome our sinful nature? The Lord said, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21). What did he mean by this? These are some of the questions Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley discuss and study in this episode of the Bible study podcast.The post Do We Have a Sinful Nature? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Is there a sin that is unforgivable? What did Jesus mean when he said, "Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:32)? Wes, Travis, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss a question from a listener concerning, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the unforgivable sin.The post What is the Unforgivable Sin? A Discussion on the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Concerning the Lord's Supper, or Communion, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Corinthians 11:29). What does it mean to discern the body? Are we to think about the body of Christ on the cross or the body of Christ, the church? Is "Communion" about communing with the Lord or communing with each other? These are the questions we consider and study in today's Bible Study Podcast.The post Communion Thoughts: Discerning the Body appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss a listener's question concerning Romans 5:3-5, which says, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." They compare Romans 5:3-5 with a well-known saying, "Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny" (Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching).The post Character Produces Hope (Romans 5:4) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Reading a whole book of the Bible in one sitting is easier, and more rewarding, than you might think. After all, if you received a letter from a friend, you would likely not read it one sentence at a time, but rather the entire letter all at once. The vast majority of New Testament books are letters, written to individuals and church families. They were intended to be read in one sitting. Travis and Wes discuss the power of reading books this way and also read through the book of Philippians from beginning to end. The post Reading Whole Books of the Bible appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this sixth and final episode of our series, "What is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Wes and Travis discuss Jesus' words in Matthew 13:52, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” What does Jesus mean by treasure that is new and treasure that is old? What is a scribe that that has been trained for the kingdom of heaven?The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 6): New and Old Treasures appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

As Jesus continues to unfold hidden truths about the nature of heaven's kingdom, he describes the kingdom as a net that is spread across the whole world. What does this parable reveal about God's kingdom? What does this parable reveal about the way God deals with evil? How would this parable change our lives if we took its implications seriously? We hope you enjoy this Bible study discussion with Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley.The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 5): The Parable of the Net appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

As we continue our ongoing discussion about the nature of the kingdom of heaven, Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss Jesus' parables about the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). What do these two parables teach us about the nature of the kingdom? What do these two parables teach us about how we are to receive the kingdom?The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 4): Hidden Treasure and Valuable Pearl appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

As Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley continue their series on, “What is the Kingdom of Heaven,” they discuss the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33). What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree? What does it mean that […]The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 3): Mustard Seed and Leaven appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In the second episode of our series, "What is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Wes and Travis discuss Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30). Perhaps the most surprising feature of the kingdom of heaven is that it will overlap the kingdoms of the world for a period of time. Though the kingdom of heaven has come, we continue to deal with the seeds the evil one has sown in the world.The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 2): The Parable of Wheat and Tares appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What is the kingdom of heaven? Over the next several episodes, Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley will discuss several parables from Matthew 13, which reveal the nature of the kingdom of heaven. On this episode, Wes and Travis discuss how we should think about parables, as well as the first parable in Matthew 13, “The […]The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable of the Soils appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Wes and Travis continue their discussion on asking better Bible questions. What is an assumption? What assumptions do we make when we study the Bible? What can the Sadducees teach us about making assumptions when we study the Bible? How can we develop better assumptions?The post Asking Better Bible Questions (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss how to ask better questions when we are reading and studying the Bible. How are we supposed to approach scripture as followers of Jesus? What's the difference between deductive and inductive Bible study? Does the Bible answer all of our questions?The post Asking Better Bible Questions (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this week’s episode, Wes continues his conversation on racism in the early church with Andrew, the host of the popular “Post-Apostolic Church” YouTube channel. Racism, classism, and other forms of discrimination have plagued our world for centuries. Not only is the church wrestling with these issues today, Christians in the First, Second, and Third centuries dealt with them as well. We will allow some of the theologians and leaders from the early church to help us think through how we should treat one another as followers of Jesus. If you missed Part One of this conversation, you can find it here.The post Racism and the Early Church (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Racism, classism, and other forms of discrimination have plagued our world for centuries. Not only is the church wrestling with these issues today, Christians in the First, Second, and Third centuries dealt with them as well. On this week’s episode, Wes discusses racism in the early church with Andrew, the host of the popular “Post-Apostolic Church” YouTube channel. Quotes from church leaders, living in the centuries following the apostles, can be incredibly helpful for those of us trying to live out the Gospel today.The post Racism and the Early Church (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss a listener's question about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Is there a difference? Wes walks through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which reminds us that when we have an opportunity to forgive, we are being given the chance to reenact the forgiveness Christ has given us.The post Forgiveness and Reconciliation: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss two questions from listeners that both revolve around the issue of death and resurrection. If our bodies will be raised and transformed, is it wrong for a Christian to be cremated? Also, between death and resurrection, where do our spirits reside? Though these are sensitive questions, we pray you find encouragement and hope from this study.The post Questions About Death: Where Do We Go and Is Cremation Wrong? appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In today's Bible study, we continue to discuss our hope for "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). If you haven't had a chance to listen to the first episode in this "New Heavens, New Earth" series or to last year's conversation with Joshua Pappas, you might want to listen to those conversations as well.The post New Heavens and New Earth (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In today's Bible study, we explore the biblical phrase, "New heavens and new earth." It may surprise you to learn that the Bible never says Christians are waiting to go to heaven, but it does say we are "waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). This is the first part of a two-part series, so make sure you subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the second part of the "new heavens new earth" series.The post New Heavens and New Earth (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In today's Bible study, we continue to discuss Jesus' favorite title for himself, "Son of Man." If you haven't had a chance to listen to the first episode in this series, make sure you go back and listen to that episode as well. Understanding Jesus' humanity and his role in our lives, as well as his role in the Universe, is of the utmost importance. We hope you are encouraged by this Bible study.The post Son of Man (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In today's Bible study, we talk about Jesus' favorite title for himself, "Son of Man." In the Bible, what does "Son of Man" mean and, specifically, what does it mean for Jesus to be the "Son of Man"? Most importantly, what relevance does Jesus' humanity have to our lives today? This is the first of a two-part series. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the second part of this series.The post Son of Man (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Today’s Bible study question comes from a listener named Charles, who asks, “Wes, Is it right or wrong for women to serve the communion, as long as they are not leading prayer or reading scripture?” Wes and Travis discuss this issue. We hope this discussion is unifying, rather than divisive.The post Role of Women: Can Women Serve Communion appeared first on Radically Christian. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com