Shows

Episode 1624 Aired Today

Sometimes the church hinders our experience of the good life by packing our schedules, heaping on burdens, or trying to be cool and relevant. But the church can also help us cultivate the good life by pointing us to a kingdom that we receive—not build. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller celebrate the ordinary ministry of Word and Sacrament that leads to rest and flourishing, and they unpack how the gifts of justification and union with Christ contribute to our experience of the good life now.

Episode 1623 Aired May 15, 2022

This series has helped us to see that we can enjoy God’s creational gifts without guilt. But God also gives us eschatological gifts that prepare us for our heavenly home. So what happens when we have an over-realized or under-realized eschatology? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller talk about life between the “now” and the “not yet,” considering the role of virtue in the Christian life and how the law gives shape to the good life as we’re conformed to the image of Christ.

Episode 1622 Aired May 8, 2022

In a life filled with suffering, is a good life truly possible? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller ask the hard questions about sin, suffering, and real life. Just because this life can be hard doesn’t mean that we should embrace a dualism that places the body and soul in opposition to each other. Instead, we need to acknowledge a certain realism about how the world functions on this side of the fall, being honest about what is evil—and even just disappointing. We can do so by clinging to God’s sovereignty in the midst of our suffering, his creativity to use it for our good, and his kindness to give us tangible good gifts even now, while we look with hope towards the future glory that awaits.

Episode 1621 Aired May 1, 2022

Do you ever feel behind in life? In a culture that endlessly calls us to hustle, climb, and improve, we’re bound to feel guilty for settling with “ordinary.” But is the good life built from all that striving? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider what kind of lives we should expect according to Scripture. How is our experience of the good life shaped by our own experiences as sinful humans who now live under God’s benediction in Christ? They examine goodness as something received from God, how the good life can be the given life, and how this all relates to loving God and our neighbors.

Episode 1620 Aired April 24, 2022

If Christ really rose from the dead, then it must have major ramifications for our lives. So how does the resurrection shape us? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell discuss the impact of Christ’s resurrection at the cosmic level, institutional level, and personal level. They consider what it means that Christ is victorious over Satan, sin, hell, death, and the grave; they unpack what it means to say “Jesus is Lord”; and they celebrate our ultimate comfort and hope found in the risen Christ.

Episode 1619 Aired April 17, 2022

What kind of sermon did you hear today? In this episode of White Horse Inn, seasoned pastors Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller are joined once again by apologist Doug Powell to discuss the essential elements of an Easter sermon—and describe some of the “misses” you might have experienced. This Easter, they hope you heard a sermon that was historical, preaching good news from outside of you; that was grounded in the Scriptures, showing Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament; that was applicable, demonstrating how Christ’s resurrection is for you; and that mirrored Christ’s loving accommodation for skeptics and doubters.

Episode 1618 Aired April 10, 2022

Having established the minimal facts of the resurrection, how do we respond when people suggest alternative theories for explaining the missing body, the empty tomb, and Christ’s post-resurrection appearances? Did Jesus simply faint on the cross? Was his body stolen? Did the women go to the wrong tomb? Did the disciples make up the resurrection story, or did it grow and develop over the years? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell evaluate these common objections and more, helping you prepare for discussions around the table this Easter.

Episode 1617 Aired April 3, 2022

“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain,” writes the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 15:14), situating the resurrection as the central claim of Christianity—the foundation for the entire biblical worldview. But why is it so important? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell discuss Christ’s resurrection as a unique claim among world religions. They also work through “The Minimal Facts” put forward by Gary Habermas, equipping listeners with an agreed-upon baseline for proving the historicity of the resurrection and evaluating objections.

Episode 1616 Aired March 27, 2022

This series has highlighted the substantial overlap between the traditions seated at the White Horse Inn table, while also honestly examining the differences between them. In this episode, Justin Holcomb sits down with Matthew Hall, provost and senior vice president for academic administration of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. They look at the historical development and complexity within the Baptist tradition and what it means to be confessional and congregational. In the process, they also explore and celebrate how traditions with significant differences on polity and the sacraments can join forces in serving, caring, and praying for each other in gospel ministry.

Episode 1615 Aired March 20, 2022

Michael Horton walked the path into Reformed theology through the book of Romans. As he studied Paul’s words, he was gripped by the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and by other distinctives he would come to understand as Reformed—high views of creation, the Fall, the dignity of humanity, God’s sovereign will, and God’s mercy. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb interviews Michael Horton about the Reformed tradition. They consider how the creeds and confessions testify to Scripture’s clarity and provide the basis for a truly catholic faith, and they challenge listeners to resist prioritizing theological precision at the expense of love and unity.

Episode 1614 Aired March 13, 2022

When it comes to discussing our differences, there is a lot of value in a genuine conversation. Rooted in humility, we have much to learn from each other, and we may find we have more in common than we realize. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton interviews Pastor Bob Hiller about the distinctives within the Lutheran tradition. As they discuss the great debates that often arise between Lutherans and Presbyterians, they also explore the pastoral nature of Lutheran theology. Holding firm to the promise of Christ’s forgiveness, the Lutheran tradition aims to combat theological systems threatening to destroy the Christian’s comfort—an endeavor esteemed by all Reformation traditions and joined by all who sit around the White Horse Inn table.

Episode 1613 Aired March 6, 2022

For 30 years, White Horse Inn has hosted theological conversations among the heirs of the Reformation, exploring our shared history and defending a common set of convictions. But what are the differences we bring to the table? In this episode of our new series, “Different, Not Divided,” Michael Horton sits down with Justin Holcomb to learn about the Anglican tradition—its history, confession, and polity, and what led Holcomb to be ordained as an Anglican minister. He shares some of the challenges within the Anglican tradition while also celebrating its global reach, commitment to Scripture, and application of the gospel through Thomas Cranmer’s “comfortable words.”

Episode 1612 Aired February 27, 2022

The famous “Hall of Faith” is found in Hebrews 11, but how did these heroes possess such great faith? And what exactly is faith? How is it related to obedience and endurance and fruitfulness? In this final episode of our White Horse Inn series examining the book of Hebrews, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan look at the last few chapters of the book and its call for perseverance. They consider the role of suffering and discipline in believers’ sanctification and reflect on our role as priests, offering our whole lives to God as a sacrifice of praise.

Episode 1611 Aired February 20, 2022

The Book of Hebrews contains some of the most difficult passages in Scripture—warnings that cause people to feel fearful and lack assurance. How—in the face of such grave warnings—is Jesus our hope? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan look closely at two particular warning passages in Hebrews 5–6 and 10, considering what the writer intended and what implications these passages have for the church today. In the process, they discuss some differences between the Lutheran and Reformed traditions, our shared commitment to the gathered assembly of God’s people and the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and the need we all have for the gospel of Christ.

Episode 1610 Aired February 13, 2022

Why would you want to go back to types and shadows when the real thing is here? The author of Hebrews poses this question as he highlights Jesus’s work as our great high priest—a priest who passed not just through an earthly curtain but through a heavenly one, who descends from the line of Melchizedek, who far surpasses the priesthood of the Jerusalem temple. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan continue their discussion of the book of Hebrews, grounding our confidence in Christ’s work on our behalf, by which we’re able to draw near to God’s throne of grace.

Episode 1609 Aired February 6, 2022

What’s better than Jesus? What about the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the blessings and promises of the old covenant? In the first few chapters of Hebrews, the author highlights these contrasts, pointing to the glory of Christ and his work on our behalf. His claim that Jesus is better sets the groundwork for what the rest of the sermon unpacks: a better covenant with better promises and a better mediator. In this new White Horse Inn series examining the book of Hebrews, Michael Horton is joined by Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan.

Episode 1608 Aired January 30, 2022

According to Robert Schuller, the problem with the reformation was that it was God-centered rather than man-centered. We live in an age of self-esteem and self-help. Therapy has triumphed over theology. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts help to recover the reformation slogan, “to God alone be the glory.” (originally aired 01-27-91)

Episode 1607 Aired January 23, 2022

Scripture teaches that God is just. He must punish sin. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts help us to understand that God’s mercy must be understood against the background of his justice and wrath in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (originally aired 01-20-91).

Episode 1606 Aired January 16, 2022

Scripture teaches that God is sovereign. Yet many struggle both to understand and reconcile God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts explain that God’s sovereignty taught in scripture helps us to recognize God’s transcendent glory reflected in his works of providence and salvation (originally aired 01-13-91).

Episode 1605 Aired January 9, 2022

We live in an age where God is trivialized. God is seen as friend, one whom I can have a personal relationship with and although God is a friend of sinners, has the church lost sight of the significance of this truth? Has the Evangelical Church taken God’s kindness for granted? On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts discuss the Holiness of God showing that though God is a friend to sinners who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation, God is still Holy and wrathful against sin. It is only when we recognize that God is holy that we can see his amazing grace toward sinners who trust in Jesus (originally aired 01-06-91).

Episode 1603 Aired December 26, 2021

In our increasingly secular culture, Christians are beginning to feel like strangers and aliens in their own land. Perhaps, however, we’ve felt much too at home in this world in the first place. As it becomes more apparent that we live in Babylon, confusing the gospel with the American dream may become less plausible. But will we be able to stand if and when our faith is tested? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Alistair Begg about the insights into these issues he has gleaned from his study of the book of Daniel. Alistair recently published a book on this topic titled Brave by Faith: God-sized Confidence in a Post-Christian World.

Episode 1602 Aired December 19, 2021

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on the meaning of the lyrics found in the all the Christmas carols heard on the radio and in countless stores this time of year? On this episode of White Horse Inn, the hosts will do just that as they consider songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and more traditional carols like “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night.” Finally, they’ll explore the rich theology expressed in the world’s first Christmas carol recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke (originally aired 12/18/16).

Episode 1601 Aired December 12, 2021

What is the true spirit of Christmas? That’s the question at the heart of countless Christmas films that clutter the airwaves this time of year. The answer one typically receives from these kinds of movies is not merely a slight deviation from the biblical storyline, but rather should be seen as a complete departure that turns our attention away from the redemption of the incarnate Son of God to a message about ourselves. The hosts will discuss this topic by walking through memorable lines from movies such as A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and many others (originally aired 12/11/16).

Episode 1600 Aired December 5, 2021

In today’s rapidly changing culture, atheism and agnosticism appear to be on the rise. What reasons do people typically give for adopting this kind of worldview, and are these ideas reasonable? How should we respond to an unbelieving friend or family member who asks, “If God really exists, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?” On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Mark Lanier, author of Atheism on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Case for Unbelief.

Episode 1599 Aired November 28, 2021

Whenever you watch the news, it becomes increasingly clear that the world isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. But how did things go so wrong in the first place? And if something has gone wrong, does this imply that God is either indifferent to our plight or powerless to do anything about it? How are we to reconcile the existence of a good and all-powerful God with the problem of evil? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Greg Koukl, founder and president of Stand to Reason. In his book The Story of Reality, Greg argues that, at the end of the day, the Christian worldview is the only belief system that both acknowledges the existence of evil and provides a solution for it.

Episode 1597 Aired November 14, 2021

In the early 1800s, a man by the name of Robert Owen began to challenge the concept of original sin. “None are or can be bad by nature,” he mused, “and it must be a gross error to make him responsible for what nature and his predecessors have compelled him to be.” As a result, Owen attempted to establish a utopian socialist community in New Harmony, Indiana. Even though his project utterly failed after only three years, his views would later greatly influence thinkers such as Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx, who in their Communist Manifesto, actually referred to Owen’s work as a kind of “new gospel.” On this episode, Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Dr. Michael McClymond, focusing this time on the social and political implications of denying original sin.

Episode 1596 Aired November 7, 2021

Bestselling author Richard Rohr has argued in his writings that the concept of original sin “was first put forth by Augustine in the fifth century but is never mentioned in the Bible.” But is this really the case? What does the Bible actually say about man’s nature after the fall? And was Augustine the first theologian in church history to discuss original sin? How are we to make sense of the world, or even our own sinful inclinations, without the insights of this important doctrine? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Anglican theologian Michael McClymond, author of The Devil’s Redemption.

Episode 1595 Aired October 31, 2021

The first woman to publish a book in her own name in the English language was Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. In her book The Lamentation of a Sinner (1547), she abased herself considerably and outlined her conversion to Protestant theology. In fact, she writes, “I feel myself to come, as it were, in a new garment before God, and now by his mercy, to be declared just and righteous. By faith alone I am sure to be justified, although the dregs of Adam do remain.” On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses Queen Katherine’s fascinating life and robust convictions with Don Matzat, author of a new biography titled Katherine Parr: Opportunist. Queen. Reformer.

Episode 1594 Aired October 24, 2021

At the heart of the division between Protestants and Catholics is the disagreement over the doctrine of justification. According to Catholic theology, justification is believed to be a lifelong process in which the sinner becomes intrinsically righteous, to the extent that he or she cooperates with grace. On the other side, Protestants assert that this ends up confusing justification with sanctification. Whereas sanctification is a process, justification is a once-for-all declaration of right standing with God that is ultimately rooted in Christ’s perfect righteousness. On this program the hosts walk through all the issues involved in this historic debate (originally aired 08-21-16).

Episode 1593 Aired October 17, 2021

For the past 500 years, Protestants have argued that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is a core component of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But sometimes opponents of the Reformation claim that the Bible actually teaches the opposite. In James 2:24, for example, we’re told that “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” So what is the point James is making, and does his teaching actually conflict with Paul and others? Shane Rosenthal discusses this with Bob Hiller, author of Finding Christ in the Straw, as they continue their discussion of the book of James.

Episode 1592 Aired October 10, 2021

Was the book of James written by one of the twelve disciples or the brother of Jesus? Are there any references to James outside the world of the New Testament? Many scholars have concluded that his epistle was likely written in the early- to mid-forties of the first century. Since James so frequently quotes and alludes to the sayings of Jesus throughout his epistle, this provides strong evidence that both he and his readers were saturated in Jesus’ teaching from a very early date. On this episode, Shane Rosenthal begins a two-part discussion of the book of James with Bob Hiller, author of Finding Christ in the Straw, A Forty-Day Devotion on the Book of James.

Episode 1591 Aired October 3, 2021

Are human beings born innocent or corrupt? Do we have the ability to create a perfect world, or is that impossible? Those drawing on Enlightenment assumptions assert that man is born pure, and that corruption comes through outside forces. In this view, utopia becomes achievable to the extent that we eliminate all sources of corruption. But rather than ushering in heaven on earth, this outlook actually has a long track record of creating totalitarian dystopias. So where is our culture headed at present, and which vision of man and society will ultimately prevail? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Os Guinness about the thesis of his new book, The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom.

Episode 1590 Aired September 26, 2021

From its inception, “the new world” has always been a place of religious experimentation. It was seen as a place where people would be liberated from pre-existing traditions and church structures. And so it’s not surprising that the search for the sacred in this country has often seen radical departures from traditional Christian beliefs and practices. So how do contemporary views of spirituality differ from classical Christian views about God, redemption, and spiritual renewal? On this edition of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton contrasts “American spirituality” with the historic Christian gospel (originally aired 08-15-10).

Episode 1589 Aired September 19, 2021

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns believers about the dangers of turning away to alternative gospels, even if they’re found on the lips of an apostle or an angel from heaven. But what if Satan himself actually authored his own gospel? What might it look like, and what might some of its popular slogans be? Jared Wilson recently devoted some time to this thought experiment, the results of which he published in his recent book, The Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies About God that Sound Like the Truth. On this episode Shane Rosenthal talks with Jared about this writing project along with his concerns for the contemporary church.

Episode 1588 Aired September 12, 2021

In his book Marketing the Church, written back in the late eighties, George Barna argued that “the number one principle of Christian communication is that the audience, not the message, is sovereign.” So what has been the result of this philosophy as it has been implemented over the past few decades? If the audience is sovereign, what is to stop churches from “accumulating for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Tim. 4:3). In short, what are the effects of an increasingly-narcissistic culture on contemporary Christian faith and practice? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Dean Inserra, author of Getting Over Yourself: Trading Believe-in-Yourself Religion for Christ-Centered Christianity.

Episode 1587 Aired September 5, 2021

In the past, prosperity gospel evangelists were known for their slick suits, gaudy television sets, and prayer cloths. But according to Dean Inserra, this kind of instant health and wealth teaching is now a fringe movement that is more mocked than followed. In its place, a new prosperity gospel has emerged that is now going mainstream. What are the characteristics of this “new and improved” version, and who are the leaders of this movement? On this program, Shane Rosenthal talks with Dean Inserra, author of Getting Over Yourself: Trading Believe-in-Yourself Religion for Christ-Centered Christianity.

Episode 1586 Aired August 29, 2021

Are today’s colleges and universities hostile environments for Christian students? Do our institutions of higher learning value the open pursuit of truth, or does indoctrination rule the day? What can churches and Christian parents do to better prepare students for the challenges they’re likely to face on increasingly-secular campuses? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Michael J. Kruger, president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte NC, and author of Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College.

Episode 1585 Aired August 22, 2021

Martin Luther once noted that in numerous passages throughout the Old Testament, it’s appropriate to “interpret the name Yahweh to refer to our Lord Jesus Christ.” How can this insight change the way we read and interpret a book like Genesis? On this episode Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and together they discuss how so many of the themes introduced in the Bible’s first book are ultimately resolved in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Episode 1584 Aired August 15, 2021

What are we to make of the God who is presented in Genesis and other Old Testament texts? According to popular atheists such as Richard Dawkins, this God is judgmental, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, and an ethnic cleanser. Is this an accurate representation of the God of Israel, or a completely distorted caricature? Shane Rosenthal discusses these and other important issues with Dr. Thomas J. Egger, professor of Exegetical Theology and president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

Episode 1583 Aired August 8, 2021

On last week’s episode, John Lennox argued that the story of Joseph is one of the most moving accounts in all the world’s literature. But is this famous narrative just a beautiful rags-to-riches tale, or is there evidence that Joseph was a real historical figure who became prime minster of Egypt during the time of a great famine? Shane Rosenthal discusses this question with Egyptologist David Rohl, author of numerous books including Exodus, Myth or History?

Episode 1582 Aired August 1, 2021

According to Oxford mathematician John Lennox, the account of Joseph’s rise to power in the latter part of Genesis—which leads to the climactic moment in which he reveals himself to his brothers and publicly forgives them—“is one of the most moving scenes in all the world’s literature.” On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Professor Lennox about the implications of this amazing story, as well as other important scenes from Genesis which he has written about in his book, Joseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power and Forgiveness.

Episode 1581 Aired July 25, 2021

As mentioned on last week's program, most commentators tend to argue that Genesis 32 is about Jacob’s refusing to let go of God until he received his desired blessing, which of course is something that all believers should strive to do as well. Or is it? On this episode the hosts continue to explore the idea that Jacob was literally “in the dark” about his assailant’s identity and may even have thought he was fighting his own brother, Esau. If so, this would indicate that he was still trying to secure the blessing of firstborn status by his own efforts. So what’s the ultimate point of this passage, and how does it relate to the Gospel in Genesis? Tune in to find out as Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn.

Episode 1580 Aired July 18, 2021

As Jacob returns to the promised land in Genesis 32, he's attached in the middle of the night. As the two men struggle until the breaking of day, it slowly begins to dawn on Jacob that there’s something special about his wrestling partner. In fact, by the end of the encounter it’s revealed to Jacob that he’s actually been “striving with God.” Many commentators suggest that the patriarch wrestled with God in order to receive a divine blessing, but is that really what’s going on here? At what point does Jacob even realize this man’s true identity? Shane Rosenthal discusses this mysterious passage with Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn, authors of The Angel of the Lord.

Episode 1579 Aired July 11, 2021

In Genesis 29, Jacob the deceiver is himself deceived. Though he had intended to marry Rachel, he was first tricked into marrying her older sister. Later, as she struggles with infertility, Rachel gives Jacob her maidservant to be a kind of surrogate mother. When two sons are born to her in this way, Rachel believes that she has “wrestled with God and her sister and prevailed.” But if, according to Paul, Sarah and Hagar represent covenants of grace and works, what are we to think about the events recorded here? On this program Shane Rosenthal discusses the implications of Genesis 29 and 30 with Adriel Sanchez, host of Core Christianity.

Episode 1578 Aired July 4, 2021

Many people today think of religion as a metaphorical stairway that leads to heaven. Basically, it’s an upward path that all of us are meant to ascend by our own good works. In Genesis 28, however, Jacob encounters a great stairway between heaven and earth, but he’s not invited to climb it. Instead, God graciously descends the stairway and makes one-sided promises to Jacob, who is fast asleep at the bottom. What’s the point of this chapter and how does it foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ? On this episode Shane Rosenthal discusses this fascinating scene with White Horse Inn founder Michael Horton as we continue our series on The Gospel in Genesis.

Episode 1577 Aired June 27, 2021

As we saw last week, difficulties arise when we attempt to read the story of Jacob and Esau as a traditional morality tale. In reality, the book of Genesis does not present Jacob as a hero to be emulated, but as a great sinner in whom God’s mysterious grace is richly on display. And as we’ll see in Genesis 27, Jacob actually deceives his father by clothing himself in his brother’s garments and calling himself “Esau.” So then, why does God allow him to receive his brother’s blessing? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Dr. Iain Duguid, author of Living in the Grip of Relentless Grace.

Episode 1576 Aired June 20, 2021

The story of Jacob and Esau raises a number of important questions. Why did God choose Jacob in favor of Esau? Was it due to some kind of foreseen virtue on Jacob’s part? In reality, that approach fails on a number of levels, since Jacob is presented throughout Genesis as a schemer, deceiver, and master-manipulator. In Romans 9, Paul argues that ultimately, the story of Jacob and Esau is about “God’s purpose in election—not because of works, but because of him who calls.” Shane Rosenthal discusses this with Dr. Iain Duguid, author of Living in the Grip of Relentless Grace: The Gospel in the Lives of Isaac & Jacob.

Episode 1575 Aired June 13, 2021

Why did God call Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? Why would he ask a loving parent to even consider such a thing? Is this story a kind of object lesson meant to show us how much we should be willing to give up for God, or is something else being revealed in this unsettling account? What if the focus of the narrative actually centers on that which God is promising to sacrifice for us in the fullness of time? Shane Rosenthal discusses the significance of this scene from Genesis 22 with Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn, co-authors of The Angel of the Lord: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Study.

Episode 1574 Aired June 6, 2021

In his Genesis commentary, Walter Brueggemann notes that in chapters 16 to 18, Abraham and Sarah “are not offered as models of faith but as models of disbelief.” In this part of the narrative, he says, “the call is not embraced, but is rejected as non-sensical.” This helps to explain why the couple sought to fulfill God’s promise with Hagar’s assistance. But as Paul explains in Galatians chapter 4, this entire narrative is a tale of two covenants: one of grace, and another of works. Shane Rosenthal talks with Mike Brown about these issues and more as we continue our series on the Gospel in Genesis.

Episode 1573 Aired May 30, 2021

The story of Abraham is a record of both faith and doubt. While we’re told in Genesis 15 that “Abraham believed the Lord and it was counted to him as righteousness,” in the very next chapter we find him agreeing with his wife Sarah to attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises by impregnating her maidservant Hagar. Later in the story, Abraham actually falls on his face and laughs at God as he reiterates the promise that his wife Sarah, even in her advanced age, would conceive and bear a son. What is the point of this narrative, and how does it help us to better understand both the complexity of sin and the grandeur of God’s grace? Shane Rosenthal discusses this with Mike Brown, co-author of Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored.