17:17 Podcast

Is Hell an actual place, or just hyperbole?  What does Jesus say about Hell?   On this episode, we address the question, "Is Hell literal or figurative?"   This question has sparked some debate in recent years and was a youth student's question for us, so we wanted to get to the bottom of what the Scripture actually says regarding Hell, specifically whether or not it is a real place...

Where did infant baptism originate and should we be doing it? Does baptism save? Why does it even matter? On this episode, we address the question, "What is the right way to baptize?"   This question has been debated for a couple thousand years and Christians still can't agree on it.  We dig through Scripture to figure out where baptism is mentioned in the Bible, what its purpose is...

What happens in the tragic event that an unborn child dies?  What about a young child who doesn't have an understanding of the world?  Do we have any assurance of salvation for them? On this episode, we address the question, "Do babies go to heaven?"   This question is a tough one for many because our gut wants to say yes, but what does the Bible actually say about it?  We know that...

What is the role of women in the church?  Does the Bible prescribe women pastors?  Does the Scripture about this topic apply to today, or was it just applicable for the early church? On this episode, we address the question, "Should women serve as pastors?"   This question is a dividing factor for many churches and denominations.  We've heard all sorts of arguments for why women can...

If God is good, why do bad things happen to this world, especially to the good people?  Suffering is one of the hardest things for many people to reconcile with an existence of God, so what do we make of this? On this episode, we address the question, "Why does God allow suffering?"   This question is a hang up for many people interested in the concept of God, but can't get past why...

Spanking? Grounding? Time outs? Which way is the best way to discipline your children?  On this episode, we address the question, "How should I discipline my children?" And that's a BIG question. Much of the ills in our culture today can be traced back to a lack of discipline in the home. The Bible isn't silent on this topic. In fact, God the Father is the perfect example for u...

Hymns or Contemporary? Drums? Guitars? What way is the right way?! On this episode, we address the question, "What Style of Music Should be Used for Worship?" It wasn't too many years ago that churches around America were engaged in the "worship wars."  What's more acceptable: hymns or contemporary music?  Are drums too much?  What kind of worship style is most suitab...

Were you predestined to listen to this? Or did you choose with your own free will? On this episode, we address the question, "Does the Bible teach Calvinism?"   This theological belief is very common and was popularized by followers of John Calvin.  Most commonly known for it's 5 main tenant that spell out T.U.L.I.P.  We talk through these points and the Scriptures associated to mak...

Jesus couldn't possibly be in favor of capital punishment, right? On this episode, we address the question, "What does the Bible teach about the death penalty (capital punishment)?"   There has been much debate on whether or not the death penalty is still a moral and appropriate punishment for crime.  The Bible has plenty to say about this system.  We look into where this originated...

Churches are adopting CRT...should they?  Can it be used as an analytical tool for the Gospel? On this episode, we address the question, "Should Christians be critical of Critical Race Theory?"   Critical Race Theory, or CRT, is finding it's way into evangelical circles at a rapid rate and has been adopted in American culture.  In fact, it's an issue that is starting to divide...

Tattoos: Acceptable? Sinful? Good? Where should we land on body art? On this episode, we address the question, "Should tattoos be taboo for Christians?"   Our hope is that as you listen, you grow in a knowledge of God and his Word as well as helping you to see this topic from a biblical framework. The 17:17 podcast is a ministry of Roseville Baptist Church (MN) that seeks to tackle cultu...

Conflict feels like a cuss word, but should it?  Relationships can grow the most or fail through conflict, depending on how its approached. On this episode, we address the question, "How Should Christians Deal With Conflict?"  We start by sharing the importance of dealing with conflict, then looking at guiding biblical principles we should follow when handling that conflict.  To wrap it...

What does it actually mean to be "drunk?" There was no .08 in the Bible, so what do we do with alcohol?! On this episode, we address the question, "How Should Christians Approach Alcohol?"  We start by looking at the original meanings/definitions of "wine" and "strong drink" in the Bible.  Then we dive into what it means to be "drunk" and when drin...

Do I lose my ticket to heaven if I sin too much?  Was my salvation real in the first place?  Do I need to pray the prayer again? On this episode, we address the question, "Can You Lose Your Salvation?"  We start by looking at some tough Scriptures and using the rest of the Bible as a commentary to understand some passages in Hebrews.  We look at how God defines salvation and work through...

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce, but does God condone that?  What about adultery or abuse? Are these exceptions? On this episode, we address the question, "Is divorce ever permissible for a Christian?"  We start by looking through Scriptures regarding marriage and divorce and establishing God's view on divorce through Scriptures in the Old and New Testament.  We understand...

Is marriage just another social construct?  How should you view marriage as a single person? On this episode, we address the question, "What does a biblical marriage look like?"  We start by addressing God's definition of marriage, the role of sex, and how marriage is a picture of Christ's relationship with the church.  This episode is great for any believer, married or single,...

The keyboard warriors on Facebook and Twitter never stop, but should we stop using social media?  Is social media usage a moral issue? On this episode, we address the question, "Is Social Media a Good or Bad Thing?"  We start by addressing how social media can use us and the dangers there, followed by seeking into benefits and drawbacks of social media and its fruit from a biblical persp...

How should you view gender?  Can you change your gender?  Should you?  Why is there such a recent push for the transgender community?  How can we love others who see this different? On this episode, we address the question, "How Should Christians Respond to Transgenderism?"  We sift through how God defines gender and the implications that has for how we respond to changes in how our soci...

Is everyone who died before Jesus was on earth in hell?  Is Jesus the only way to salvation?  If so, how is it fair for those who lived before he was on earth? On this episode, we address the question, "Can People Who Lived Before Jesus Was on Earth Be Saved?"  We dig into the basics of how people are saved and the faith shown by some Old Testament characters and how that relates to thei...

Does evolution disprove the Bible?  Does the Bible disprove evolution? Can the two work together?   On this episode, we address the question, "Can Christians Believe in Evolution?"  We dig into the Genesis account of Creation and what implications that has on the evolutionary theory.  Our hope is that as you listen, you grow in a knowledge of God and his Word as well as helping you to se...

Politics: dividing countries and families every day.  Protesting, looting, and injustice abound, but how should we respond?  Should we fight fire with fire or turn the other cheek? On this episode, we pose the question, "How should Christians respond to political unrest?"  We spend time looking at the spiritual armor of God and breaking down each element of it and how that ought to shape...

Is it fair for God to condemn someone who has never heard of Jesus before?  Could a loving God do that? On this episode, we pose the question, "What Happens to People Who Never Hear the Gospel?"  We spend time looking at what happens to people who don't have a saving knowledge of Jesus and if there are any exceptions to those who have never had the Gospel preached to them.  What is...

Does "Old" mean irrelevant?  Was this law only for the Jews, or are there still parts we are bound to today? On this episode, we pose the question, "Does the Old Testament still apply to us today?"  We spend time looking at the different laws of the Old Testament and what God's intent was behind those laws.  Are we bound to the Law or free in Christ?  Is there a middle gro...

Christmas: Santa, Elves, Gifts, and Consumerism with a hint of pagan origins.  How should Christians honor and remember the birth of Jesus? On this episode, we pose the question, "Should Christians celebrate Christmas?"  We spend time looking at the history of Christmas as we know it and dissecting some pagan origins as well as some biblical and Christian origins.  We dig into what the B...

Mass shootings and Gun rights: Should we even allow guns?  Would Jesus carry a pistol if he were in human form on earth today? Is it moral for Christians to carry one?   On this episode, we pose the question, "Should Christians carry a firearm?"  We spend time looking at what Scripture says regarding self-defense as well as the role of government in defense.  Firearms are one of many thi...