Theocast

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 and consider the language of the Scripture and the ordinary means of grace. Resources: Our podcast on Triumphalism Our podcast on Theology of the Cross "Ordinary" by Michael Horton SUPPORT Theocast: https://theocast.org/give/ FACEBOOK: Theocast: https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org TWITTER: Theocast: https://twitter.com/theocast_org INSTAGRAM: Theocast: https://www.instagram.com/theocast_org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/THEOCAST

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 confusion of law and gospel in the pulpit. Scripture References:Isaiah 42:3; 61:1Matthew 11:25-30Luke 7:36-50; 15:1-35; 18:9-142 Corinthians 10:1Ephesians 4:1-4; 5:1-2Hebrews 7:251 John 2:1-2 Resources:"The Bruised Reed" by Richard Sibbes"Gentle and Lowly" by Dane Ortlund

"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://theocast.org/give/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Theocast.org TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theocast_org INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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.

"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://theocast.org/law-gospel-distinction/Episode on Triumphalism:https://theocast.org/triumphalism/Episode Saint/Sinner: https://theocast.org/are-we-both-saint-and-sinner/Faith vs Faithfulness: Theocast.org/primer

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.orghttps://twitter.com/theocast_orghttps://www.facebook.com/Theocast.orghttps://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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.orghttps://twitter.com/theocast_orghttps://www.facebook.com/Theocast.orghttps://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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.orghttps://twitter.com/theocast_orghttps://www.facebook.com/Theocast.orghttps://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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

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.orghttps://twitter.com/theocast_orghttps://www.facebook.com/Theocast.orghttps://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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.orghttps://twitter.com/theocast_orghttps://www.facebook.com/Theocast.orghttps://www.instagram.com/theocast_org

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/GospelEpisode: Assurance"The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Spiritual disciplines are a big deal in our modern church context. Where did they come from? Are they biblical? How is it that we are sustained and grown in the Christian life? Jon and Justin consider all these things. The post Are Spiritual Disciplines Biblical? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Sin is far worse than we often think. The Bible teaches that we are all born with lusts, cravings, passions, and desires that are wrong. Jon and Justin talk about this robust understanding of sin and its implications. The post The Cravings of the Flesh appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

There is a difference between unrepentant sin and struggling as a fallen person in a fallen world. How should we understand our own struggle and the struggle of other believers? And what does this mean for life together in the church? The post The Difference Between Sin and Struggle appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Jon and Jimmy discuss where should we draw lines of theological disagreements. How should Christians disagree over important doctrines? How has the church lost its mission in these theological debates? The post Agree to Disagree appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

This is part 4 from our Introduction to Covenant Theology. In this class, this is our first of two sessions discussing the Covenant of Grace. In this session, we talk about the nature of the Covenant of Grace. Then we turn our focus on the promises and progressive revelation of the Covenant of Grace and trace them through the Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi. The post The Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

If you listen to many in the church, our Christian lives should be characterized by happiness, excitement, and by overcoming difficulty. But, this life is often characterized by pain, toil, and suffering. What do we do with that? And what is it that we're called to in the church? The post Fantasy Christianity appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

These are tumultuous times in the United States. Politics are dominating much of the public conversation. And evangelical leaders have made strong statements as to how Christians should--or must--vote. Jon and Justin discuss these things and provide a historical biblical perspective. The post HOT TOPIC: Is There Only One Way a Christians Can Vote? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Though we would never say it this way, it often seems that the gospel is just the starting point of the Christian life--and that once we believe, we need to move on to other things. Jon and Justin consider how this happens and what it means for people in the church. The post Left Behind: Have We Moved On from the Gospel? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Why is it that Jesus died on a cross--and not some other way? Does it matter? (Hint: It does.) Jon and Justin answer this question using all of Scripture from a redemptive-historical, covenantal perspective. The post Did It Matter How Jesus Died? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Some people say we should read the Bible with no presuppositions--and that it isn't good to have a theological system. Is that possible? Is that right? Jon and Justin consider these things and how we should do biblical theology. The post Is Your Theological System Any Good? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Jon and Justin answer a question that we get all the time: "When you say 'reformed' theology, what do you mean?" We offer our own "five points" on the subject. The post The “Five Points” of Reformed Theology appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Jon and Justin have a conversation about our weakness, sex, and the gospel. (Parents: There is nothing graphic, but please be aware.) Our culture tells us all kinds of things about sex. The church hasn't always helped. What has God said in his Word? The post Our Weakness, Sex, and the Gospel appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Are you discouraged about reading your Bible? Maybe you feel like you don't understand it? Maybe you read it and feel like you've gotten nothing from it? In this episode, the guys talk about how not to read your Bible--and then consider what Scripture says about how to interact with it. The post How Not to Read Your Bible appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

On today's episode, we are able and blessed to sit around the same table to discuss and meet with our old friend pietism. The other night, we were discussing how pietism dies a very slow and painful death. We also talked about the damage it can cause to our assurance and what we see when we look at ourselves in Christ. In this podcast, we discuss the slow and painful death of pietism and how it can harm us. The post The Slow Death of Pietism appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

Life is hard. Relationships are hard. In light of that, what is it that we need most? There are countless solutions offered. Jon and Justin consider what Scripture has to say. The post What the World Needs Now appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, Jon and Jimmy discuss the topic of Vocation. Does the Bible lead us to believe that some jobs are more spiritual than others? Is the pastor's job more important than the stay home mom? We also explain how God is accomplishing His mission through the ordinary every day lives of those in the church. The post Does Your Job Matter to God??? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, Jon and Justin answer a listener question. Should we be afraid of the judgment seat of Christ? Should we fear that all of our good works will be burned up? We survey the passages in the New Testament that speak to these things. The post Fearing the Judgment Seat appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about all of the requirements being placed upon Christians as a result of the current cultural issues. It seems we are failing all over the place, and forgiveness and absolution are nowhere to be found. What do we make of these things? The post You’re a Bad Christian If… appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about the difference between Calvinism and reformed theology. The two are not one and the same. We explain the major tenets of reformed theology and why they are important. The post Why All Calvinists Are Not Reformed appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

When should you leave a church? Jon and Jimmy discuss this question from a pastoral and congregant perspective. We discuss unhelpful ways we have seen this done, what you should not say, and the timing one should consider. The post Should I Stay Or Should I Go? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about evangelicalism. Where did it come from? What produced it? What kind of effect has evangelical culture had on Christians? If you feel as though you're drowning--if you are struggling and disenchanted--you are not crazy. And you are not alone. The post Drowning in Evangelicalism? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about a passage of Scripture that is often misunderstood: 2 Peter 1:1-12. Is Peter teaching pietism in this text? We consider the gospel, as well as the saint/sinner reality, and how those things relate to our pursuit of piety. The post Dazed and Confused: Does 2 Peter 1:1-12 Teach Pietism? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, Jon and Justin begin by answering a listener's question as to whether Roman Catholics can be saved. We then contrast Roman Catholic and Reformed theology and go on to consider the ways many evangelicals sound Roman in their teaching and practice. The post Back to Rome? appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and the protests of recent days, the guys talk about racism, injustice, and the church. There are many people in a lot of pain. What can we say to these things from God's Word? How can the church navigate these difficult issues? The post Racism, Injustice, and the Church appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about biblical counseling and the problem of pietism and hyper-introspection. We consider a confessional, Christ-centered approach to counseling that is grounded in the local church. The post Biblical Counseling: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys talk about triumphalism. The impression we're often given in the church is that we should be always and consistently improving. We should be living "the victorious Christian life." And, if we're not, we should be concerned. What do we make of all this? The post Triumphalism appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

n this episode, the guys talk about depression. It is a common battle. And it is understandable in a fallen world. We consider what depression is, where it comes from, and how we should recalibrate our thinking and conversation in the church. The post Depression appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, the guys consider the distinction between the law and the gospel. God has revealed the law and the gospel in Scripture. They aren't the same thing, but yet, they are often confused. This confusion results in all kinds of fallout, including robbing the believer of assurance and peace. The post Law/Gospel Distinction appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

"Christ-centered preaching" has been a popular topic for a number of years. But what is it? What does it mean to preach Christ from all of Scripture? If we preach this way, are we just saying the same thing every Sunday? The guys consider all of this--and more--in today's episode. The post Christ-Centered Preaching appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

So many of the questions we get at Theocast come down to the issue of assurance. How do we know we will be finally saved? How is it that we have peace before God- now and in the future? We talk personally of our own experiences, make some observations about evangelicalism, and then point people to Christ and his sufficiency. The post Assurance appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In light of COVID-19, the hosts thought it would be a good thing to do a live online Q&A. Amongst other things, we talk about confessional theology, justification and sanctification, and church discipline. The post Q&A: Confessional Theology, Justification & Sanctification, and Church Discipline appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, Jon and Justin discuss legal preaching. This kind of preaching tends to remove hope and establish fear. It tends to turn every passage of Scripture into law. It tends to focus on how people are not measuring up. We point out the prevalence of legal preaching and offer some correctives. The post Legal Preaching appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.

In this episode, Jon and Justin discuss preaching [about] the gospel. It's been our observation that guys will get fired up about preaching the gospel, they will give the facts of the gospel, and talk a lot about the gospel--without ever offering Jesus to sinners and heralding the grace of God in Christ. The post Preaching [About] the Gospel appeared first on Theocast - Reformed Theology.