Theology For The Rest Of Us | Quick Answers To The Questions About God And The Bible

Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, many of the kings were sinful and wicked. In other cases they may not have lived a totally wicked lifestyle, but they made some very sinful choices. Why did God permit this? In response to an email from a regular listener, Kenny dives into this topic in this episode by asking Why did God allow the kings of the nation of Israel to sin in so many different ways? More importantly, does this mean that certain sins are okay for certain leaders or people?

In this episode, Kenny covers the topic of "replacement" theology, which is the term that Dispensationalists use when they are referring to concept that the Jews are no longer God's chosen people. That the church has "replaced" Israel. Dispensationalist typically embrace the idea that the Jews are still God's chosen people, that they still have a special covenant with God (which is separate and distinct with God's covenant with the church), and that the Jews still have special blessings and rights that other nations do not have access to, including the rights to the "promise land" (the property which makes up the contemporary nation of Israel). Orthodox Christianity has traditionally held to the idea that any person who places faith in God is declared righteous and therefore is invited into the group of people that are in covenant with God; and there is only one group of people that are in covenant with God (known as God's "covenant people"). The Jews were the group that God was in covenant with, but that

Recently, a regular listener sent Kenny an email asking about Yoga, and whether or not it is okay for Christians to practice it. Yoga is the traditionally Hindu theistic philosophy and ascetic discipline, that involves the suppression of activity, and is aimed at connecting with the spiritual realm in hopes of attaining a higher sense of self-awareness and also aimed at the absolute liberation from all desire and natural human inclination. Yoga traditionally has included mantras, unique breathing control, meditations, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. In this episode, Kenny makes clear that engaging in Yoga, in its traditional sense, does indeed potentially invite unwanted spiritual beings and evil principalities to enter your life and potentially have influence over your life in ways that would wreak havoc on your faith, soul, and overall well-being. But Kenny also recognizes that many people in Western societies practice the physical disciplines and elements of Yoga, but are doing so in a way

In this episode, Kenny responds to an email from a regular listener asking about the word "glory" and its definition in relation to how Jesus refers to it in John 17:22. In the passage in question, Jesus says these words: "I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one." (HCSB). Kenny explains that the word "glory" refers to fame, praise, exaltation, and honor. Typically, humans ought to make God famous as well as seek to praise and honor Him for who He is, and in doing so our innermost souls are fully satisfied. Jesus is making the point that Jesus will then present humans as fully redeemed, not to praise or exalt our character, but so that the work of God in us can be made known, praised, honored, and exalted. And in doing so, God Himself will take joy, delight, and sanctification in us because of the amazing redemption that has been completed in us.

At face value, prayer seems to be one of the simplest and most powerful disciplines that any Christian can engage in. Prayer is an incredible privilege! We have the opportunity to talk with and potentially request things from the Supreme Creator of the universe who has the power to grant whatever we ask. This is an amazing truth! However, it seems to many believers that prayer can simultaneously be one of the more complex elements of the Christian life. When should we pray? How should we pray? What things impact our prayers? In a few verses, it even seems that Jesus is saying that we can pray for whatever we want and as long as we have faith, we're guaranteed to get it. Is that true? In this episode, Kenny responds to an email from a regular listener about the verses that seem to allude to the fact that we can pray for "whatever we want" as long as we have faith. Kenny explains these verses in context, and the importance to allow God's Word to transfer our desires so that our prayers will be in line with t

In this episode, Kenny dives into the terms "conservative" and "liberal" explaining what they literally mean, and more importantly, explaining how those terms are utilized within our modern Western culture in the realm of politics and in the realm of theology.

Within Christian theology, heterodoxy has typically been explained as any Biblical interpretations or Christian doctrines that are different from the official or orthodox positions of the church at-large. In this episode, Kenny explains the concept of heterodoxy, and expounds upon the differences between orthodoxy, heresy, and heterodoxy. Kenny also makes clear that heterodox doctrines might be different from orthodox doctrines, but heterodox doctrines are not opposite or contrary to any traditionally embraced Christian orthodoxy, neither is heterodoxy opposite or contrary to any clear Biblical mandates. Kenny then gives some pastoral advice on how to view heterodoxy, and challenges the listeners to be cautious to not assume that other Christians are not orthodox simply because those believers may have some theological disagreements. Kenny finishes the episode with this great quote from Charles Spurgeon: "Again, you shall find spiritual life in every church. I know it is the notion of the bigot, that all t

Traditionally, heresy has been said to be any belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious dogma and is profoundly at odds with what has generally been accepted. In this episode, Kenny defines heresy as any doctrine or teaching that is... Outside of the bounds of traditional Christian orthodoxy Opposite of the foundational or essential doctrines embraced by orthodox Christians Clearly contrary to the Scriptures, potentially harmful or destructive to the persons who might embrace those false teachings   Kenny then gives some pastoral advice and insights on how to rebuke and address a heretic, if a heretic should appear in your church or your community. Scriptures 2 Peter 2:1 Galatians 1:8-9 1 Corinthians 16:22 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Titus 3:10

With the popularity of non-orthodox Christian theology and modern liberal ideology growing within contemporary Christian circles, there has been a need to label or identify those specific Christian groups and churches which hold closely to the doctrine and ideals of traditional orthodox Christianity. That group has been labeled "Evangelical Christians." The Evangelical movement is a worldwide interdenominational movement within Christianity (specifically Protestant Christianity) which seeks to maintain fundamental Christian beliefs and conserve the traditionally embraced elements of the Gospel. Typically, Evangelicals affirm these truths and ideals: Inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture Jesus' virgin birth, physical death on a cross, and physical resurrection Deity of Christ Every human's need for faith in Christ alone for salvation Importance of our Christian faith actually governing our daily lives and choices Importance of evangelism (spreading the Gospel to others)   Many people in modern

Since the middle of the 1800's theological liberalism has become an influential movement and a part of mainstream thought within many churches, seminaries, and denominations throughout Europe and the United States. The rise of a counter-movement to "battle for the fundamentals" of Christian orthodoxy began in the later portions of the 1800's and really came to prominence in the United States and Great Britain during the 1920's. This movement is now known as Christian fundamentalism. In this episode, Kenny explains the ideology of fundamentalism (generically speaking) within politics, religion, and general ideology. Then Kenny dives into the history of the modern Christian fundamentalist movement and its good elements, as well as its more modern and detrimental elements.

There are multiple occurrences in the Scriptures of people being possessed by demons or influenced by evil spirits and principalities. Recently, Kenny received an email from a regular listener saying that the listener's pastor had made the claim that those Biblical narratives (the passages that speak of demon possessions) that the persons where not actually demon possessed, but rather they were actually mentally ill. In this episode, Kenny responds to this claim by examining a relatively well-known Biblical narrative where Jesus casts a demon out of a man (see Luke 8). Kenny also examines a few other passages, and he makes it clear that demon possession was real in the New Testament and still is real today. Kenny points to several pieces of evidence (both from the Bible as well as from his own personal life) that should lead us to conclude that demon possession does still happen today. Demon possession is real, but we ought not fear because the Spirit of God that lives inside of us is far more powerful tha

The most frequent questions that Kenny gets (both from podcast listeners as well as from some of the young people that he has mentored) are typically related to the topic of sex. One frequently asked question is about oral sex. Is it wrong? In this episode, Kenny clearly explains that oral sex can often be viewed as even more intimate than intercourse in the minds of some people. There are even some stats that show that young people are more likely to engage with intercourse before they engage with oral sex, because they view oral sex as being even more sensitive than intercourse. Kenny makes clear that all sexual relations ought to be kept between a man and his wife, between the bounds of covenant marriage. If you are not married, then oral sex is sinful. But within the bounds of marriage, between a man and his wife, the Bible never prohibits oral sex. In fact, there are moments in the the Bible where oral sex seems to be celebrated. Lastly, Kenny then outlines several thoughts and elements of this topic t

Multiple times throughout his ministry career and throughout his correspondence with regular listeners of the podcast, Kenny has been asked about nudity in media, in the arts, and in our society overall. How should Christians engage with nudity? In addition, Kenny was recently asked by a photographer if it would be sinful or inappropriate for him to take nude photos of people if they have requested to hire him to take nude pics of them or their spouse. In response to this question, and other similar questions, Kenny reluctantly answers by seeking to give Biblical wisdom and cautionary advice. Kenny makes clear that nudity, in-and-of itself, isn't necessarily sinful. But the motivation behind the nudity and the context of the nudity make all the difference, and will govern how we approach the topic of nudity and elements of nudity that may appear in pop culture.

Throughout the New Testament the apostles made reference to the Old Testament law and its connection to the Gospel. The law was the set of rules, regulations, and expectations that God had set down for the people of Israel in the Old Testament. God gave this law after the Exodus from Egypt but before they entered in the promised land. The law was given to them through their spiritual leader Moses. In this episode, Kenny answers a question from a regular listened about the nature of the law. Kenny explains its purpose and its connection to the New Covenant outlined in the New Testament. Kenny also explains the different types of laws that God gave and their purposes for the people of Israel. Kenny finishes by pointing out the ultimate purpose of the law: to expose our need for a savior and to point us to Jesus.

In this episode, Kenny interviews a personal friend about a recent non-profit organization she launched called "Closely Held." Several years ago, Amber Matyi and her husband had a child with significant medical issues. They quickly realized that the families going through the difficultly of having a child with unique medical challenges are often lonely or lack resources and support. Amber and her husband launched Closely Held as a way to serve those families in need. Throughout and after the interview, Kenny challenges listeners to allow Amber's story to be an inspiration. Each of us ought to use our own personal obstacles and difficulties as the means to look for opportunities to tangibly serve the people all around us that are in need. Connect with Closely Held Facebook Page: facebook.com/CloselyHeld Email: closelyheld7@gmail.com

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koiné Greek. Some observers have pondered the question: As the Scriptures have been translated from its original languages into modern English, has any truth been lost in translation? In this episode, Kenny responds to an email from a regular listener about this topic and several related questions. Kenny clearly explains why we can trust modern English translations.

The traditional role of mothers throughout human history has been to have their primary focus to be on child rearing and home making. However, modern feminism has changed that throughout Western cultures and societies. So, this begs the question: Should women be more focused on child rearing more than anything else? Or is that traditional expectation merely nothing more than oppression that is an artifact of old-fashioned patriarchal societies? In this episode, Kenny gives some clear Biblical mandates about what is expected from mothers and then he seeks to give some pastoral wisdom on how to fulfill those mandates as best as possible in our modern cultural context. Kenny challenges mothers to ask these questions: 1) What will bring the most amount of glory to God? 2) What decision will allow you to best fulfill the Biblical mandates upon mothers? 3) What is best for your children and their development?

In this episode, Kenny answers a question based upon recent correspondence with a regular listener about discipleship. What's the difference between a convert and a disciple? We are all called to be disciples of Jesus and to make disciples. Kenny explains that conversion is one of the early steps in the process of becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Many segments of our contemporary society do not value work within the home. Other segments even look down on mothers that choose to stay at-home with the kids instead of "contributing" to society. But the contributions you make at home, for fathers and mothers, matter significantly to God. In this episode, Kenny interviews author, speaker, and blogger Courtney Reissig about her newest book Glory in the Ordinary about the meaning and value of mundane tasks in our homes. When the work of the home fills our days, it is easy to get disillusioned and miss God’s great and grand purpose for our work. As image bearers of God, we were created to work. We contribute to society, and bring order out of chaos in every moment; no matter how small the tasks may seem. Recommended Get a copy of Courtney's Newest Book: Glory in the Ordinary Get a copy of Courtney's First Book: The Accidental Feminist Check out Courtney's Website: www.courtneyreissig.com Follow Courtney on Twitter: @courtneyreissig  

There are many people who claim that they are Christians, but is it possible to determine if they truly are Christians? Can you know if they are genuine followers of Jesus? Have they truly been born again? In this episode, Kenny gives us four clear ways to determine if someone truly has been born again and determine if their faith in Christ in real or fraudulent. 1- Do they claim to have put their faith in Jesus? Do they believe that Jesus is God and that He raised from the dead? (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10) 2- Do they really love God? (Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37) 3- Are they truly committed to following the commandments of Jesus and living for Him? (John 14) 4- Is it obvious that they are engaging with the Spirit of God and growing in the fruit of the Spirit as a result of their engagement with the Spirit of God? (Galatians 5:22-23)