Dear Theo cast. It has been two weeks I have been listening to some of your podcast, I feel really good and clarity about the gospel. Following from India, a fellow saint ❤
Boy, are you right It won’t work!:“Looking to my own strength to pull me out of that stuff.” I have rarely heard a sermon on freedom in Christ. Plenty of hymns about freedom, which confused me, because the preaching that followed was about trying harder and do in better. So I struggle to understand freedom in Christ. It’s there in the Bible-I see it.
Everytime I listen to you two an epiphany is dropped on me from your words. I'm ever blessed by God to be among the elect, placed in the closest thing to a perfect church for me there is on this planet, have a wonder-ous Pastor and his wife to receive teachings and counseling from and to have said Pastor recommend I subscribe watch/listen to Theocast as often as possible to supplement reading the Word, prayer life&church involvement. When you said Christ wasn't sent so God would love us, God loved us so Christ was sent. Mind-bender!
Dude, one of my top favorite episodes you guys have put out! Feel like I just got a little more clarity on the Gospel. You guys have been a Godsend. Be blessed, brothers.
You two were cracking me up when Jon got tongue tied at the 19:35 mark, and Justin is just like 😐. The more of your podcasts I watch, the more I appreciate you both and your personalities.😂
It’s hilarious that y’all talk about mixing up voices because until very recently, I thought Justin’s voice went with Jon until I watched a video on YT for once (regular podcast listener) 😂
It's not grace and freedom... It's grace and TRUTH... and the Truth will set you free, which gives you grace. John 1:14;17 John 8:32 That's why you can do whatever you want to do. Just be honest. And if you are honest, then you realize there are things in your life you would not want to share with anyone.... Then stop doing those things you have to lie about.
Is it about what I do or what Jesus did for me? Do I wake up in the morning thinking about what Jesus has done for me, or what I am going to do for him? Does my hope come from what Jesus did, or from what I do? Should I have comfort and joy, or should I have fear and trembling? These are false dichotomies. The biblical faith produces all of this in us. And sometimes it will make us fearful for good reason. The sort of Christianity you are trying to spread seems to be all about feeling good. But Jesus is more concerned with our actually entering his kingdom at the judgment, than he is concerned that we FEEL like we are definitely going to enter. He said some pretty serious things in Revelation 2 and 3 that probably didn't feel good for those churches to hear. His words probably scared a lot of them pretty seriously. But it was good for them to hear it and to feel that way. Another point: when Jesus speaks of freedom in John 8, he is speaking of freedom from SIN ITSELF. As in, going free from the sinful behavior that enslaves us which flows from fallen hearts. Jesus can free us from the way of life we've learned in this world, changing us and getting us on a different trajectory. THAT'S what he's talking about first and foremost, guys. Not about freedom from guilt or shame or penalty of sin. Those things may come along with being set free from sin itself. But it is freedom from the sin itself that Jesus is talking about primarily. I hope you will address that in the rest of the podcast which I am listening to...
@@ryanjamietaylor1134 hello and thanks for your response. I'm sure you're aware that some manuscripts continue Romans 8:1 with "...who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." But either way it goes on to clarify a few verses later that Paul is talking about people who walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. He is talking to people who are walking in faithfulness and newness of life, having been set free from their sins (Romans 6). But then we are warned later in chapter 8 in verse 13 that if we live according to the flesh, we will die. When Paul is talking to Christians who are getting off course or committing some kind of work of the flesh, he never tells them "but you're still going to be saved no matter what since there's no condemnation for you." No when Christians are being unfaithful, Paul warns them. He even often warns Christians who ARE being faithful, as in Romans 8:13 or Acts 20:26 or Ephesians 5. And of course while there is no condemnation for us if we're walking by the Spirit, and while no human or demon can bring a charge against us, Jesus CAN bring a charge against his people if they lose their first love or soil their garments or become lukewarm (please see his letters to Ephesus, Sardis, and Laodicea in Revelation 2 and 3. What do you think?
@thomasalbinholmes2538 my confusion would be then how many sins does ot take to lose salvation? Because even those who are not in constant sin still do din sometimes but we have an advocate with the father.
@@ryanjamietaylor1134 I understand the issue there. But someone could also ask how many sins it takes to know they were never saved to begin with. Because we have to at least say that obedience is fruit of salvation. So even if we believe once saved always saved,we can still end up with the same basic problem. Not how much sin does it take to lose salvation, but how much sin does it take to know we never were saved. In either case, we just need to take Jesus very seriously and follow him with all everything we've got and put his teachings into practice. There is no number of sins we can point to and say "now you've lost salvation" or "now you know you were never saved." But we can at least know when we are in serious danger or that we're getting off course and need to repent. Paul gives us a list of deal breakers in places like 1 Cor 6:9-10, for example. Things that will lose us Jesus forever if we do them and do not repent. Pride and arrogance if left unchecked will cost us the kingdom of God. Lukewarm faith, whatever that looks like, will cost us eternal life. I don't know at what point Jesus decided the Laodiceans needed to be warned. He knows where that line is. But we just need to move in the other direction. How many times would you need to be late to work before getting fired? How many times would a man need to watch pornography before his wife moves out? Relationships are not mechanical like that. There is often not a fine line we can point to. We just need to follow always and obey his commands and repent immediately when we realize we've started going in the wrong direction.
@thomasalbinholmes2538 thank you for your response. Brought up Catholic so was never taught osas. Always about mortal sin breaking your communion with God With protestant faith there is a lot more disagreements on this.
if the devil and the flesh are attacking you then rejoice because if you were not in christ it wouldnt happen as satan keeps his slave pretty quiet in spiritual death.
Using the title of "Pastor" in a way that exalts oneself above others goes against the teachings of Jesus as outlined in Matthew 23:8-12. Jesus explicitly warns against seeking titles or positions of honor within the community of believers, emphasizing humility and servanthood instead. Therefore, anyone who uses the title of "Pastor" to assert authority or elevate themselves above their fellow believers is in direct contradiction to the teachings of Jesus. Furthermore, such behavior not only disregards the example set by Christ but also undermines the true essence of pastoral ministry, which is rooted in selfless service and care for others. By seeking titles and positions of authority, individuals risk distorting the very purpose of pastoral leadership and causing harm to the unity and well-being of the church. It is imperative for those in positions of leadership within the church to heed Jesus' words and approach their role with humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others rather than seeking recognition or honor for oneself. Therefore, let us all strive to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to lead with humility and integrity in all aspects of our ministry.
Yes. I think that's why the Bible says, "Greet the brethren by name." I also dislike when another believer greets me as "sister." It SOUNDS so spiritual, but it is so impersonal. The name involves the entire person. A pastor is more than a pastor. A sister is more than a sister. It makes me feel like they see me as someone they HAVE to fellowship with or love, instead of seeing me as a whole person. I'm a joint heir, a friend, a saint, gifted by God, a fellow worker, a mother, a grandma, etc. My name involves all that I am. Isn't that what it means to pray in the name of Jesus? All that He is and has done, and is doing, and will do? It's not that His name is magical, but that His name involves all that He is.
@@graftme3168 Great points. Paul never referred to himself as Apostle Paul, but as Paul, an apostle. It's a big difference . In the early church, titles were used, but their usage and significance were different from what we see in later church history. The primary titles mentioned in the New Testament are "apostle," "prophet," "evangelist," "pastor" (or shepherd), and "teacher" (Ephesians 4:11). Additionally, the terms "elder" (Greek "presbyteros") and "bishop" (Greek "episkopos") were used somewhat interchangeably to refer to church leaders responsible for overseeing local congregations (Acts 20:17-28; Titus 1:5-7). These titles were functional and described the roles and responsibilities within the early Christian communities rather than serving as exalted positions. The early church emphasized the equality of all believers and the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus, where leaders were called to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:25-28). Thus, while titles were present, they were more descriptive of roles and less about hierarchical status. The titles of exaltation within the Christian Church began to emerge prominently during the reign of Constantine in the 4th century, coinciding with the syncretism of the Roman Empire and the Church. With Constantine's legalization and support of Christianity through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, the church began to adopt structures and titles reflecting the hierarchical and administrative systems of the Roman Empire. Bishops, who initially served as local overseers, gained increased authority and status, often mirroring the power and grandeur of Roman officials. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD further solidified the hierarchical structure, elevating the roles of bishops, archbishops, and eventually the papacy. This integration of imperial and ecclesiastical authority led to the development of more exalted titles and a stratified church leadership, marking a significant shift from the simpler, more egalitarian leadership model of the early church.
@Romans_Twelve_Two 1 Timothy 3 outlines the qualifications for church leaders, specifically overseers (also called elders or bishops) and deacons. It does not use "Pastor" as a formal title. In fact, the term "Pastor" is never used as a title in the Bible. Instead, it is a descriptive term meaning "shepherd" (Ephesians 4:11), highlighting the role of caring for and guiding the flock, rather than serving as a hierarchical title. The New Testament emphasizes functional roles and servant leadership rather than formal titles.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Do you see the pattern? You do not choose God, God chooses you. There are things you must do in order to be saved and there are things you must do in order to stay saved. If your end game is eternal life with God then your goal is to be absolutely certain that you are not one of the "many are called", but that you are one of the "few are chosen" Dig into your Bibles. Your eternal life depends on it!
Islam is bondage because it is law without grace. Reformed theology is false and actually often results in bondage because it is grace without law. Jesus and the apostles taught forgiveness of past sins upon repentance, grace to obey the law of Christ going forward, and that God will continue to be gracious to those who continue in obedience to Christ (obedience, not perfection). The bible is not saying what Islam says, nor is it saying what reformed theology says.
Perhaps more preachers should preach on Matthew 7:13,14, and the straight and narrow gate. In fact, a proper exegesis of the sermon on the mount would separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous, saved from the lost and false professors of the faith who are utterly deceived from those who know and love the truth. Doctrinal faithfulness and integrity are as much of a reality of true saving faith as moral holiness and rectitude in the heart. The whole of the word of God in all of its glorious truth is the joy and pleasure of God's elect and a testimony to the Holy Spirit working in us. John 17:17.
Amen!
Dear Theo cast. It has been two weeks I have been listening to some of your podcast, I feel really good and clarity about the gospel. Following from India, a fellow saint ❤
Boy, are you right It won’t work!:“Looking to my own strength to pull me out of that stuff.”
I have rarely heard a sermon on freedom in Christ. Plenty of hymns about freedom, which confused me, because the preaching that followed was about trying harder and do in better. So I struggle to understand freedom in Christ. It’s there in the Bible-I see it.
The freedom comes with the fourth part of the gospel. Christ in me.
Christ has devoted himself to good works in and through us.
Everytime I listen to you two an epiphany is dropped on me from your words. I'm ever blessed by God to be among the elect, placed in the closest thing to a perfect church for me there is on this planet, have a wonder-ous Pastor and his wife to receive teachings and counseling from and to have said Pastor recommend I subscribe watch/listen to Theocast as often as possible to supplement reading the Word, prayer life&church involvement.
When you said Christ wasn't sent so God would love us, God loved us so Christ was sent. Mind-bender!
Amen!! Great podcast today. Thanks always for the reminder.
Very encouraging. James from Ottawa, Canada
Greetings from Taiwan, what an encouragement you both are, blessings
Dude, one of my top favorite episodes you guys have put out! Feel like I just got a little more clarity on the Gospel. You guys have been a Godsend. Be blessed, brothers.
Thank you guys! Very good pod!
You guys answer the questions that float around in my head at times, lol. Thanks for your God-given clarity!
Many are duped bc of lordship salvationists
You two were cracking me up when Jon got tongue tied at the 19:35 mark, and Justin is just like 😐.
The more of your podcasts I watch, the more I appreciate you both and your personalities.😂
Which one is Theo, on the right?
Oh i see. Theo is voice of one on left coming out of guy on the right
It’s hilarious that y’all talk about mixing up voices because until very recently, I thought Justin’s voice went with Jon until I watched a video on YT for once (regular podcast listener) 😂
@3133 yes brother. god has loved christs sheep as long as hes been god.
It's not grace and freedom... It's grace and TRUTH... and the Truth will set you free, which gives you grace.
John 1:14;17 John 8:32
That's why you can do whatever you want to do. Just be honest.
And if you are honest, then you realize there are things in your life you would not want to share with anyone.... Then stop doing those things you have to lie about.
Ransom is plain in scripture. But where is penal substitution taught plainly?
Is it about what I do or what Jesus did for me?
Do I wake up in the morning thinking about what Jesus has done for me, or what I am going to do for him?
Does my hope come from what Jesus did, or from what I do?
Should I have comfort and joy, or should I have fear and trembling?
These are false dichotomies.
The biblical faith produces all of this in us. And sometimes it will make us fearful for good reason.
The sort of Christianity you are trying to spread seems to be all about feeling good. But Jesus is more concerned with our actually entering his kingdom at the judgment, than he is concerned that we FEEL like we are definitely going to enter. He said some pretty serious things in Revelation 2 and 3 that probably didn't feel good for those churches to hear. His words probably scared a lot of them pretty seriously. But it was good for them to hear it and to feel that way.
Another point: when Jesus speaks of freedom in John 8, he is speaking of freedom from SIN ITSELF. As in, going free from the sinful behavior that enslaves us which flows from fallen hearts.
Jesus can free us from the way of life we've learned in this world, changing us and getting us on a different trajectory.
THAT'S what he's talking about first and foremost, guys. Not about freedom from guilt or shame or penalty of sin. Those things may come along with being set free from sin itself. But it is freedom from the sin itself that Jesus is talking about primarily. I hope you will address that in the rest of the podcast which I am listening to...
Hmm why does Jesus say there is now no condemnation for those in Christ?
@@ryanjamietaylor1134 hello and thanks for your response. I'm sure you're aware that some manuscripts continue Romans 8:1 with "...who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
But either way it goes on to clarify a few verses later that Paul is talking about people who walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. He is talking to people who are walking in faithfulness and newness of life, having been set free from their sins (Romans 6).
But then we are warned later in chapter 8 in verse 13 that if we live according to the flesh, we will die.
When Paul is talking to Christians who are getting off course or committing some kind of work of the flesh, he never tells them "but you're still going to be saved no matter what since there's no condemnation for you." No when Christians are being unfaithful, Paul warns them. He even often warns Christians who ARE being faithful, as in Romans 8:13 or Acts 20:26 or Ephesians 5.
And of course while there is no condemnation for us if we're walking by the Spirit, and while no human or demon can bring a charge against us, Jesus CAN bring a charge against his people if they lose their first love or soil their garments or become lukewarm (please see his letters to Ephesus, Sardis, and Laodicea in Revelation 2 and 3.
What do you think?
@thomasalbinholmes2538 my confusion would be then how many sins does ot take to lose salvation? Because even those who are not in constant sin still do din sometimes but we have an advocate with the father.
@@ryanjamietaylor1134 I understand the issue there. But someone could also ask how many sins it takes to know they were never saved to begin with. Because we have to at least say that obedience is fruit of salvation. So even if we believe once saved always saved,we can still end up with the same basic problem. Not how much sin does it take to lose salvation, but how much sin does it take to know we never were saved.
In either case, we just need to take Jesus very seriously and follow him with all everything we've got and put his teachings into practice.
There is no number of sins we can point to and say "now you've lost salvation" or "now you know you were never saved." But we can at least know when we are in serious danger or that we're getting off course and need to repent. Paul gives us a list of deal breakers in places like 1 Cor 6:9-10, for example. Things that will lose us Jesus forever if we do them and do not repent. Pride and arrogance if left unchecked will cost us the kingdom of God. Lukewarm faith, whatever that looks like, will cost us eternal life. I don't know at what point Jesus decided the Laodiceans needed to be warned. He knows where that line is. But we just need to move in the other direction.
How many times would you need to be late to work before getting fired? How many times would a man need to watch pornography before his wife moves out? Relationships are not mechanical like that. There is often not a fine line we can point to. We just need to follow always and obey his commands and repent immediately when we realize we've started going in the wrong direction.
@thomasalbinholmes2538 thank you for your response. Brought up Catholic so was never taught osas. Always about mortal sin breaking your communion with God
With protestant faith there is a lot more disagreements on this.
if the devil and the flesh are attacking you then rejoice because if you were not in christ it wouldnt happen as satan keeps his slave pretty quiet in spiritual death.
The devil messes with non believers also. They just don't know it. They blame their troubles on other things.
Using the title of "Pastor" in a way that exalts oneself above others goes against the teachings of Jesus as outlined in Matthew 23:8-12. Jesus explicitly warns against seeking titles or positions of honor within the community of believers, emphasizing humility and servanthood instead. Therefore, anyone who uses the title of "Pastor" to assert authority or elevate themselves above their fellow believers is in direct contradiction to the teachings of Jesus.
Furthermore, such behavior not only disregards the example set by Christ but also undermines the true essence of pastoral ministry, which is rooted in selfless service and care for others. By seeking titles and positions of authority, individuals risk distorting the very purpose of pastoral leadership and causing harm to the unity and well-being of the church.
It is imperative for those in positions of leadership within the church to heed Jesus' words and approach their role with humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others rather than seeking recognition or honor for oneself. Therefore, let us all strive to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to lead with humility and integrity in all aspects of our ministry.
Yes. I think that's why the Bible says, "Greet the brethren by name." I also dislike when another believer greets me as "sister." It SOUNDS so spiritual, but it is so impersonal. The name involves the entire person. A pastor is more than a pastor. A sister is more than a sister. It makes me feel like they see me as someone they HAVE to fellowship with or love, instead of seeing me as a whole person. I'm a joint heir, a friend, a saint, gifted by God, a fellow worker, a mother, a grandma, etc. My name involves all that I am. Isn't that what it means to pray in the name of Jesus? All that He is and has done, and is doing, and will do? It's not that His name is magical, but that His name involves all that He is.
@@graftme3168 Great points. Paul never referred to himself as Apostle Paul, but as Paul, an apostle. It's a big difference .
In the early church, titles were used, but their usage and significance were different from what we see in later church history. The primary titles mentioned in the New Testament are "apostle," "prophet," "evangelist," "pastor" (or shepherd), and "teacher" (Ephesians 4:11). Additionally, the terms "elder" (Greek "presbyteros") and "bishop" (Greek "episkopos") were used somewhat interchangeably to refer to church leaders responsible for overseeing local congregations (Acts 20:17-28; Titus 1:5-7).
These titles were functional and described the roles and responsibilities within the early Christian communities rather than serving as exalted positions. The early church emphasized the equality of all believers and the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus, where leaders were called to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:25-28). Thus, while titles were present, they were more descriptive of roles and less about hierarchical status.
The titles of exaltation within the Christian Church began to emerge prominently during the reign of Constantine in the 4th century, coinciding with the syncretism of the Roman Empire and the Church. With Constantine's legalization and support of Christianity through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, the church began to adopt structures and titles reflecting the hierarchical and administrative systems of the Roman Empire.
Bishops, who initially served as local overseers, gained increased authority and status, often mirroring the power and grandeur of Roman officials. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD further solidified the hierarchical structure, elevating the roles of bishops, archbishops, and eventually the papacy. This integration of imperial and ecclesiastical authority led to the development of more exalted titles and a stratified church leadership, marking a significant shift from the simpler, more egalitarian leadership model of the early church.
What about 1 Timothy 3?
@Romans_Twelve_Two 1 Timothy 3 outlines the qualifications for church leaders, specifically overseers (also called elders or bishops) and deacons. It does not use "Pastor" as a formal title. In fact, the term "Pastor" is never used as a title in the Bible. Instead, it is a descriptive term meaning "shepherd" (Ephesians 4:11), highlighting the role of caring for and guiding the flock, rather than serving as a hierarchical title. The New Testament emphasizes functional roles and servant leadership rather than formal titles.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Do you see the pattern?
You do not choose God, God chooses you.
There are things you must do in order to be saved and there are things you must do in order to stay saved.
If your end game is eternal life with God then your goal is to be absolutely certain that you are not one of the "many are called", but that you are one of the "few are chosen"
Dig into your Bibles.
Your eternal life depends on it!
r
Islam is bondage because it is law without grace. Reformed theology is false and actually often results in bondage because it is grace without law.
Jesus and the apostles taught forgiveness of past sins upon repentance, grace to obey the law of Christ going forward, and that God will continue to be gracious to those who continue in obedience to Christ (obedience, not perfection).
The bible is not saying what Islam says, nor is it saying what reformed theology says.
Perhaps more preachers should preach on Matthew 7:13,14, and the straight and narrow gate. In fact, a proper exegesis of the sermon on the mount would separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous, saved from the lost and false professors of the faith who are utterly deceived from those who know and love the truth. Doctrinal faithfulness and integrity are as much of a reality of true saving faith as moral holiness and rectitude in the heart. The whole of the word of God in all of its glorious truth is the joy and pleasure of God's elect and a testimony to the Holy Spirit working in us. John 17:17.