Bible Study Podcast

What does 2 Corinthians 6:14 mean, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” What is the context of 2 Corinthians 6:14? What did Paul mean when he wrote this to the Corinthian church? And how can Christians apply these words to our lives today? In this Bible study, Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley consider the overall theme of 2 Corinthians, Paul’s defense of his apostleship. And how that theme applies to 2 Corinthians 6:14. They also consider other things Paul wrote about associating with unbelievers: * Did Paul expect Christians to cut all ties with unbelievers? * Was it ok for a Christian to be married to an unbeliever? * Was it ok for Christians to have unbelieving friends? We hope this Bible study encourages us all to, “cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). This episode of the Bible Study Podcast is part of the, “What Does This Passage Mean?” series. During this series, Wes and various guests will study a different passage of the Bible in context. We will discuss both the meaning and application of some difficult passages of Scripture. If you have a passage you would like for us to discuss, send us a note: RadicallyChristian.com/contact or leave a voicemail at 707-238-2216. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube* Book: Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller* Book: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt* Article: What I Noticed When I Read 2 Corinthians

What does 1 Timothy 2:15 mean when it says, “She will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control”? What does childbearing have to do with being saved? In order to understand 1 Timothy 2:15, we must consider Paul’s train of thought throughout the book of 1 Timothy. We have to understand some of the problems that existed in Ephesus, when Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. As well as the primary themes of the book. The fifth chapter seems to be particularly helpful in understanding Paul’s thoughts in 1 Timothy 2:15. Additionally, the books of Titus and 2 Timothy can also help us understand what Paul may have meant by, “Saved through childbearing.” This Bible study will challenge everyone to, “Lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2). This episode of the Bible Study Podcast is the first in a series, “What Does This Passage Mean?” During this series, Wes and various guests will study a different passage of the Bible in context. We will discuss both the meaning and application of some difficult passages of Scripture. If you have a passage you would like for us to discuss, send us a note: RadicallyChristian.com/contact or leave a voicemail at 707-238-2216. Links and Resources: Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube

Our culture’s history of slavery, segregation, racism, bigotry has caused deep wounds and divides. Some progress has been made in healing those divides. How much progress, is a matter of much debate. After the 2020 killing of George Floyd, discussions about race and racism became top-of-mind for many of us. And Christians are struggling to navigate our current reality well. About This Series: There are a lot of things about our current situation that makes people nervous. Especially when we look to the future, we can be very anxious about wondering what the future holds for the church. But there are also plenty of reasons to be hopeful. About This Episode: Wes McAdams and Benjamin Lee discuss the cycles of racial empathy, anger, division, and apathy that plague the church. Is it possible for the church to work through years of division and hurt? Is it possible for the church to show the world how a multi-ethnic community can flourish? About Our Guest: Benjamin Lee has been preaching the gospel since 2001. After working for eight years for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and preaching part-time, Benjamin decided to devote his life to preaching the gospel in 2009. Benjamin began working with the West Main Church of Christ in Lewisville Texas on March 1, 2018. He and his wife Nikki have been married for 17 years. They have a 10-year-old son named Joshua. Benjamin is passionate about faith, family, fitness, and food. He has had the opportunity to preach and teach in Africa, Mexico, and throughout the U.S. You can find his sermons, blogs, books, coaching cohorts, and I Can Do Podcast at www.benjaminlee.blog. He can be reached via email at benjaminlee1@pm.me. Links and Resources: Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube Article: How Does the Bible Define Race? Video: Having Better Conversations About Race and Racism Article: Is Preaching the Gospel Enough to Defeat Racism? Video: One Race or Many? A Gospel-Centered Approach to Unity

The political divide runs deep in our culture and even in the church. We seem to filter everything through a lens of red or blue, right or left, elephant or donkey, republican or democrat. Bitter, hateful, and even violent rhetoric seems to fill the air we breathe. What are Christians to do in times like these? What hope can we find in the Bible for navigating these politically polarized times? About This Series: There are a lot of things about our current situation that makes people nervous. Especially when we look to the future, we can be very anxious about wondering what the future holds for the church. But there are also plenty of reasons to be hopeful. About This Episode: Wes McAdams and Brandon Britton discuss political polarization in the culture and the church. Should Christians be political? How can we, as Christians, engage in politics without losing our identity? How can we love people well when we disagree over political ideas and policies? About Our Guest: Brandon Britton preaches for the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Killen, AL. Links and Resources: Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube Video: Christians and Politics: Living in Community (Interview with Dr. Trey Orndorff) Podcast: Post-Christian Culture: Hope for the Future of the Church

What does it mean to be masculine? What does it mean to be feminine? Did God make men and women totally unique? Is gender just a social construct? Discussions about these matters can be filled with anger, fear, division, and frustration, but that doesn’t have to be the case. We can have hope-filled conversations about gender. About This Series: There are a lot of things about our current situation that makes people nervous. Especially when we look to the future, we can be very anxious, wondering what the future holds for the church. But there are also plenty of reasons to be hopeful as we look to the future. About This Episode: Wes McAdams and Dominic Venuso discuss gender. What does the Bible teach about gender? How should Christians navigate issues related to gender in the home and the church? What can Christians learn from those on the “other side” of gender debates? About Our Guest: Dominic Venuso preacher for the Rochelle Church of Christ Rochelle, IL. Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube Podcasts: The Roles of Men and Women in the Bible (Part One) and The Roles of Men and Women in the Bible (Part Two)

Can the church be unified when we disagree on certain aspects of our faith? What hope is there for the future of the church when there is so much disagreement? About This Series: There are a lot of things about our current situation that makes people nervous. Especially when we look to the future, we can be very anxious about wondering what the future holds for the church. But there are also plenty of reasons to be hopeful as we look to the future. About This Episode: Wes McAdams and Scott Elliott talk about reasons we have to be hopeful concerning the future of church unity. What does Scripture teach us about division and unity? What might the future look like if we really made unity a priority? About Our Guest: Scott Elliott is the preacher for the La Grange Church of Christ. Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube Podcast: Can Christians Be Unified When We Disagree?

Is it accurate to think of American culture as “post-Christian” and how can the church thrive in a culture like this? This is part two of our series, “Hope for the Future of the Church.” About the Series:  The pandemic, politics, and a rapidly changing culture have left a lot of Christians are feeling uncertain and anxious about the future of the church. This new series will explore the many reasons we have to be hopeful about the future. Make sure to subscribe in order to hear future episodes of this series. About this Episode:  Wes McAdams and Ethan Longhenry discuss Christianity and American culture. * Is it accurate to call American culture, “post-Christian”?* What are some positive and negative aspects of current American culture?* Is it possible that Christians become marginalized and even oppressed in the future?* If so, how should we handle losing privilege and power? We hope this Bible study and discussion gives you hope for the future of the church. About our Guest:  Ethan is the evangelist at the Venice church of Christ in Los Angeles, CA. * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube* Podcast: Hope for the Future of the Church: Church Attendance (Episode 1)* Article: The Faith of American Teenagers by Luke Dockery

This is part one of our new series, “Hope for the Future of the Church.” In this episode, we will discuss why we should be hopeful about the future of church attendance. About the Series:  The pandemic, politics, and a rapidly changing culture have left a lot of Christians are feeling uncertain and anxious about the future of the church. This new series will explore the many reasons we have to be hopeful about the future. Make sure to subscribe in order to hear future episodes of this series. About this Episode:  Wes McAdams and Chris McCurley discuss how live-streaming has affected in-person services. * What are the positives and negatives of the situation in which we find ourselves today?* What are some of the biblical passages and biblical ideas that should shape our thinking on this issue?* Why should we be hopeful about the future of church attendance? Chris McCurley is the preaching minister for the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch this Episode on YouTube

One of the most important words in theological conversations is “eschatology.” But what does “eschatology” mean and why is it so important? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson define and discuss eschatology. Marcus is the High School Minister at the church of Christ on McDermott Road and a passionate evangelist. One important aspect of eschatology is our vocabulary. If we want to have a biblical eschatology, we should adapt our vocabulary to reflect our biblical hope. Rather than saying, “go to heaven” (which isn’t found in Scripture), here are some of the eschatological phrases from Scripture: Eschatological Time * the age to come (Hebrews 6:5; Ephesians 1:21; Luke 18:30; Mark 10:30; Matt 12:32)* the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8) Eschatological Event * the resurrection (Matt 22:30)* the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim 6:14)* the coming of the Lord (1 Thess 4:15; 5:23; James 5:7)* the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:12)* the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed (Romans 2:5) Eschatological Place * the world to come (Hebrews 2:5)* the new world (the palingenesia) / (Matthew 19:28)* the city that is to come (Heb 13:14; see also 11:10; 12:22)* new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13) We hope you enjoy this conversation and that it enriches your hope. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch this episode on YouTube* Book: Garden City by John Mark Comer (affiliate link)* Book: A New Heaven and a New Earth by J. Richard Middleton (affiliate link)

In today’s Bible study, Wes McAdams visits with Clifton F. Webb about intellectual virtues and critical thinking skills. What does it mean to be a critical thinker and why is it important for students of Scripture? One example from Scripture is the Bereans of Acts 17:11, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Wes and Clifton discuss this list of intellectual virtues found in The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools by Richard Paul and Linda Elder: * Intellectual Humility vs Intellectual Arrogance* Intellectual Courage vs Intellectual Cowardice* Intellectual Empathy vs Intellectual Narrow-mindedness* Intellectual Autonomy vs Intellectual Conformity* Intellectual Integrity vs Intellectual Hypocrisy* Intellectual Perseverance vs Intellectual Laziness* Confidence in Reason vs Distrust of Reason and Evidence* Fairmindedness vs Intellectual Unfairness Clifton F. Webb is the Evangelist at the Wayne Road Church of Christ in Romulus, MI. Links and Resources:  Video: Watch this Episode on YouTube Podcast: Music in the Old Testament – CrossTalk S4E12 Book: “The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools” by Richard Paul and Linda Elder 

What are we actually claiming when we say the Bible is inspired? In today’s Bible study, Wes McAdams visits with Steven Cuffle and Dr. Jared Saltz about some of the major theories and views about biblical inspiration: * How should we define inspiration? * What are some of the major differences between different theories of inspiration? * What are the pros and cons of each theory? * Can we have fellowship with one another if we have slightly different ideas about the inspiration of Scripture? Followers of Jesus should have a profound appreciation for the nature of Scripture. We should recognize both the human and divine aspects of the Bible. And we should allow it to do what it was designed to do, draw us closer to the Lord and to one another. We hope this conversation helps encourage you on that journey. Steven Cuffle is an evangelist with the Brentwood church of Christ. Dr. Jared Saltz is a professor at Florida College. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube

What does it mean that we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ? In today’s Bible study, Wes and Travis discuss a question from a listener: “Growing up in the church I heard it said quite often we’d sit at the judgment seat. We will give an account for all our sins….almost like a line-by-line reading of everything we’ve done wrong. I’ve also heard many sermons saying that God has wiped away all our sins and remembers them no more (perhaps magnified with studies on grace that I was never exposed to as a child). So are sins forgotten or will we have to give an account!?!?” – Nathan Here are a few of the passages discussed in today’s Bible study: * Matthew 12:33-37 * Romans 14:1-13 * 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 * Romans 2:14-16 * 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 * 1 John 4:13–21 When read in context, what do these passages teach us about the Day of Judgment and appearing before the judgment seat of Christ? On what basis will we be judged? Can we have confidence for the day of judgment? Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube* Article: Appear Before the Judgment Seat

What does it mean when the Bible says faith is counted as righteousness? In Romans 4, Paul discusses how Abraham’s “faith was counted to him as righteousness.” Abraham believed “God was able to do what he had promised” and because of that faith, God considered Abraham to righteous. More importantly, Paul goes on to say that our faith is also as righteousness. Wes and Travis discuss the idea of faith being counted as righteousness. What does this mean and what practical applications does this have for our life? What would it really look like to embrace this truth? In the second half of our Bible study, Wes and Travis discuss James 2:18-26. James says Abraham was “justified by works” (vs. 21). And James goes on to say, “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (vs. 24). How can James say that people are justified by works when Paul emphatically denies that people are justified by works? The study of justification by faith, or God counting faith as righteousness, is such an important area of study. It has huge implications for our life. We hope you enjoy this Bible study. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube* Article: Are We Saved by Faith Alone?

Today’s Bible study discussion was prompted by a listener named Isabella, who wrote in to ask about becoming a better Christian. Isabella feels she is too focused on worldly things and doesn’t do enough for the Lord. She wants to overcome some of her struggles with sin. She fears she has been lazy and disobedient. Isabella is asking a question we are all asking. We all want to become better Christians, better disciples of Jesus, don’t we? We all want to sin less and serve more. But we don’t really know how or we struggle to find the motivation we need to take our spiritual journey to the next level. Wes and Travis discuss how the book of Ephesians can help us become better Christians. We hope this Bible study discussion is a blessing to you. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube

In whose name should we be baptized? Should we baptize people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Or should we baptize people simply in the name of Jesus? Why do different passages of the Bible say different things? In Matthew 28:19 Jesus instructs the apostles to baptize disciples “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” However, in Acts 2:38, Peter says to “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” To what should we ascribe these differences? Furthermore, what does it mean to be baptized “in” or “into” someone’s name? What is the significance of God’s name and what does God’s name have to do with our baptism? Is this about a baptism formula when administering baptism? Does it really matter what we say when we baptize someone? Finally, how does this discussion relate to Colossians 3:17, in which Paul says to, “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus”? Does this mean we should speak the name of Jesus every time we do anything? Wes and Travis discuss all of this and more. Special thanks to Mark, who submitted this question for discussion. We hope you find this Bible study encouraging. Links and Resources: * Video: Watch This Episode on YouTube* Article: Is a Word Formula Required in Administering Baptism?* Article: Is there a Biblical Baptismal Formula?* Podcast: Baptized for the Wrong Reason