BeachCast.TV: Bible Exploration, Apologetics and Church History with Dr. Chase A. Thompson:

Solomon was the wisest to ever live. Brilliant, blessed beyond measure and the son of a great and mighty man of God. He talked to God face to face at least twice, and led one of the greatest worship gatherings in the entire Bible. All of these advantages, and yet Solomon fell away from God in his old age. Why did Solomon fall away, and what can we learn from his fall that will help us to NOT fall...

The Apostle Paul says an astounding thing in Philippians 1: That he would rather die and be with Jesus, than to live and stay on earth...he also talks about death as gain, and as a good thing. Most people - even most Christians - have a much less positive view of death. Was Paul crazy, or did he know something that most of us don't know?

Most people have heard that 'Agape' means 'God's unconditional love,' Is that true, or just another "preacher myth?" Today we discuss the nature of God's love for His people - does He love all unconditionally? The biblical answer is somewhat complicated...

"Wives, submit to your husband," says one of the most controversial and disregarded Bible passages. Is this a command for modern days, or is it hopelessly outdated? Today we discuss Paul's commands to wives AND husbands, and find out that both have a very difficult mandate to live with, and a wonderful example to draw strength from.

Some people gravitate towards truth a little more and others have a personality that might make them stronger on the love side of things, but not quite as able to boldly speak truth. Which is more important for a Christian to embrace - love or truth? Plus: What should our spiritual response be when we are trapped in devastating circumstances?

There are dozens of prayers in the Bible - not just the Lord's prayer. When we read through these prayers we find some interesting facts: most prayers in the Bible don't start with 'Dear God,' and end with 'amen.' Digging deeper, we also find great insight into how to pray and what to prioritize in prayer. Today we learn how to pray from the Bible's apostolic prayers.

The Gospel (or, the good news) is the very centerpiece of Christian theology - pointing to salvation by grace (unearned) through faith (belief!) in Jesus and what Jesus did on the cross. Our faith doesn't save us, nor do works save us, but the work of Jesus saves us...so there is never a reason to boast, nor is there a reason to fear that we aren't good enough for eternal life in Heaven, because i...

Given the opportunity to ask for anything under the sun, Solomon chose to ask God for wisdom and discernment - the ability to lead well and choose rightly between good and evil. Today we discuss that decision and the great need for wisdom in 2020, when life has become as confusing as it could possibly be.

Both Adonijah and Joab grab the horns of the altar in a desperate attempt to save their lives from King Solomon. This act only saves one of them - did Joab do something wrong, or was he trusting in the wrong thing to save him? Today we discuss how to be saved by grabbing the real and spiritual altar, as well as the dangers of trusting in external religious acts like going to church, listening to s...

Paul's letter to Galatians was written, at least in part, because the church there was being led astray by a false teaching that combined the doing of good works like circumcision with faith in Jesus. Paul writes to correct such heresy, warning those that choose to trust in good works for even part of their salvation are severing themselves from Christ. Is it possible that trying to do good could...

For many Christians, the good news means that Jesus died to save us from our sins - which is true, praise God - but is such a short summary of the good news of what Jesus has done for us, that it lacks some of the important blessings of being saved by jesus, such as being ADOPTED as sons of God and being co-heirs, along with Jesus. Today we are talking about the glorious truths of adoption and our...

To the Jewish people, dying on a tree (dying on a cross...) meant that the person who died was under God's curse, so this was a terrible way to die. Paul tells us in our Galatians reading today that Jesus was not only under God's curse because of the way He died, but that HE WAS A CURSE. What does this even mean?

Two big discussions today: First we tackle the issue of why parts of the Bible are so violent and horrifying. Second we discuss how Paul called out Peter for hypocrisy - is this a huge deal that a disciple of Jesus who wrote books of the Bible would be a hypocrite? We also discuss what hypocrisy is, exactly.

The Psalms are unflinchingly honest, and today's reading contains an extended lament that God isn't listening to or heeding the Psalmists prayer. Surely you have been in that place, right? You've prayed and prayed and prayed, but God hasn't rescued you yet. How do we deal with that situation - what is the right response?

Paul commands Christians in today's passage to 'test' and 'examine' themselves. Does such an act cause doubt and undermine assurance of faith? How does a Christian actually test themselves - what does that look like, and why is it so important that it is a command repeated multiple times in the Bible?

Today we discuss one of the most profound and deep mysteries of the Bible, Paul's statement that, "When I am weak, then I am strong." Paul's discussion of weakness in 2nd Corinthians 12 is so counterintuitive and yet absolutely central and crucial to the Christian life. If you think God is about the business of making you strong, healthy, wealthy and confident, then today's Bible passage will quic...

Most Westerners think of Satan as a red-skinned being with a pointy tale and a pitchfork, but the Bible says that we are more likely to encounter him as "an angel of light." What does this mean to us practically, and how can we recognize this sort of deception?

Paul talks about spiritual warfare and the 'weapons of our warfare' in today's Bible passage from 2 Corinthians. What sort of weapons are Christians given, how do we use them, and who do we use them against? Are these weapons given for fighting and ruling over other people?

Giving might be one of the most controversial Bible topics. Should Christians give under compulsion? Will God make rich those who give much? Is it right for pastors and tv preachers to receive offerings through guilt and manipulation? Today we study the Bible's teaching on giving, and find that there are surprising blessings associated with giving, but not necessarily the blessings that the charla...

King David has committed treachery and murder, and is now paying a heavy price for his sins, watching his family and his kingdom fall apart. Why must there be a price for sins? Why won't God just wave His hands and forgive sins? Is God more merciful or more just?

In our Bible passage today, the apostle Paul contrasts the dangers of worldly and empty sorrow with the blessings of Godly sorrow. How can we know the difference between the two? Also: Story time about the older gentleman with powers who taught me to memorize the Word of God.

Many try to 'sell' Christianity and attract adherents through promises of stress free life, health, wealth and prosperity. Are such promises of easy living compatible with biblical Christianity? No, it turns out - the Bible is a far more authentic and truthful description of the sorrows and joys of life than are many best selling 'puff' books.

In our readings today, King David has fallen from grace and committed horrible crimes. God send Nathan - a friend and prophet - to confront David for his evil deeds and to pronounce judgment on him - but also to bring grace. What does this teach us about God's character and why do we still need Nathans in our lives today?

King David, the supposed hero of the Israelites and one of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament, commits adultery, possible rape AND cold-blooded murder in today's passage from 2nd Samuel. Where did David go wrong? What led him to commit the brutal crimes he committed? What can we learn from David's fall?

Today we discuss whether or not Jesus wrote a literal letter to an Edessan King called Agbar, which is a claim made by Eusebius, writing in the 300s. More importantly, we will see how Jesus uses His people as His letters to the world.