Theocast

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 11:3Romans 7:15ffGalatians 5:17Ephesians 4:27, 6:12ffJames 1:13-15, 4:71 Peter 5:81 John 1:8-2:2, 3:8 Resources:Our primer on assuranceOur episode on "How Much Can a Christian Sin?" Giveaway: "Safe in Christ: A Primer on Assurance" by Theocast

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. Resources: Our Covenant Theology teaching series Book study on Sam Renihan's book Our episode: Is Your Theological System Any Good? Ask Theocast: GENESIS: About Creation? A Science Book? NEITHER?!?! Book Giveaway: "Grace in Despair" by Dianna Carroll 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/ 

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 the posture we want to have in engaging others. In all of this, it's important to remember that it is the law--not the gospel--that is a hammer. Scripture:John 19:31Philippians 3:1-11Luke 18:9-14Matthew 7:1-5Romans 2:1-3 Book Recommendation: "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson

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 outside of it. Resources:1689 LBC (especially 2.1, 5.5) Scripture:Ephesians 1:3-14, 2:4-7Romans 5:1-11Hebrews 10:1-14, 12:1-2Genesis 1-3 Giveaway: "Christianity and Liberalism" by J. Gresham Machen 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/

"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 preaching a different gospel? The guys also talk about marriage, complementarianism, and other things Christians tend to get worked up over. Resources:"Ordinary" by Michael HortonIs the Woke Church Movement a False Gospel? | ask TheocastFREE Ebook: Theocast.org/primer 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/

The discussion dives deep into the transition away from dispensationalism, exploring personal backgrounds that shaped their views. They highlight a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, emphasizing how the Old Testament reveals Christ rather than focusing on national Israel. There's a clear distinction made between law and gospel, with a critique of how mixing them can lead to confusion. Additionally, they celebrate the ordinary means of grace in the local church and summarize key theological differences to clarify their stance.

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.