The Analytical Preacher - Bible Discussions For The Modern World

Does seeing the world through a biblical lens cause a Christian to support or oppose democracy as a form of government?  Does it cause us to support or oppose federalism, where different levels of government (national, state and local) work within different areas of responsibility? In this podcast, we provide an answer along with the biblical justification for that answer.  #biblicalworldview #bib...

The church is not the only institution which the Bible establishes and defines a role for. In fact, scripture teaches that God has also ordained the family and the government as institutions through which society is to be structured and managed. In this podcast, we discuss those three institutions and explain the God-given role for each. 

In order to explain the world and how we are to engage in it and with it, a biblical worldview begins with descriptions of God's character and human nature. The understanding these foundational elements provide impacts how Christians view not only religion but also politics, science, philosophy, criminology, psychology and many other endeavors. In order to be truly fulfilled and well adjusted...

A biblical worldview is more than just a list of what God considers right and wrong.  Though it incudes a moral framework, it is much more comprehensive.  A biblical worldview answers all the grand questions of human existence, and does so better than any other philosophy, religion or ideology.  As does any worldview, a biblical worldview addresses where we come from, if there is purpose and meani...

In Luke chapter 7, we are told that Jesus marveled at a Roman Military Leader (or that He was amazed by him).  Why was Jesus amazed at this man?  More importantly, what lesson can we take from this account so that our lives are lived in a similar fashion?  #faith #christianfaith

There is a divide among Christian churches today whether spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues or miraculous healings have ceased and if so, why and when they ceased.  In this podcast, we look at the relevant scriptures to answer the question of what the purpose of such gifts were and what was said about their use and duration.

In chapters 12, 13 and 14 of his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul admonishes them for their misunderstanding and misuse of certain spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.  In order to give us insight on our Christian walk today, in this podcast we examine why Paul says they were misusing the gifts and how they were misusing them.

A standard of biblical interpretation is that we use scripture to define and refine scripture.  Often when a word or concept is first introduced in the Bible, a definition of it follows close by.  Using this approach to studying and interpreting scripture, would we understand the tongues spoken in the New Testament to be existing, literal languages or unknown languages new to the speaker and the l...

Jesus told a wealthy, young ruler that he needed to give away his vast wealth to follow Him.  So, does this requirement apply to all believers?  In this podcast, we look at those verses from Luke 18:18-24 to understand why Christ gave those directions in that case and how we apply what we read in this account to our lives today.

Though Christians often have a strong opinion about certain laws and certain politicians, the guide for our voting behavior in a democracy should rest on the foundational pillars of a biblical worldview.  The Bible provides a comprehensive worldview designed to direct every aspect of our lives.  In this podcast, we look at the four worldview principles most relevant to determining how and why we c...

Does God still speak to His people in the 21st century?  If so, how should we expect to hear to from Him?  What types of issues does God address when He communicates to us and how can we be sure it is really Him we are hearing from?  In this podcast, we examine all those questions and provide clear, concise answers.

Some unbelievers say they are not interested in a religion where they are forced to live a certain way based on a fear of dreadful punishment by God.  The good news for them is that this is not what God is calling them to do.  Christians are called to respond to the overwhelming love, mercy, kindness and patience of God.  In much the same way, mothers and babies don't respond to each other in...

The Bible says that God is gracious to us and that He shows us mercy.  But what do those terms mean biblically?  Grace and mercy are not the same thing but they are closely related.  And God's steadfast, biblical love is deeply intertwined with these actions as well.  In this podcast, we allow scripture to define what is meant by grace and mercy and seek out a life application for ourselves i...

What did Jesus mean when He challenged us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect?  How does a Christian go about living up to that standard? To understand this statement and answer those questions we need to look at the meaning of the word 'perfect' as it is used in this scripture.  But more importantly we need to examine the context in which the statement is made.  Once we hav...

What is the main point of the Beatitudes?  What did Jesus mean when He said "blessed are the meek"?  Why did Jesus begin His famous Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes?  And how are we to understand the words Christ spoke 2000 years ago in terms of today's culture?  In this sermon, we cover the what, why and life application aspects of the beautiful words with which Jesus framed...

Is Christianity just a crutch for those who are weak?  Is it just another coping mechanism for those who are not emotionally strong enough to face the chaos of the world we live in?  As we discuss in this podcast, the answer is 'NO'.  In fact, Jesus warned His followers about those who would respond to the Gospel in such a way, essentially calling them shallow and saying they would not p...

At some point in life, we will all deal with grief.  And we know there is no quick fix, no easy solution to that issue.  But what path does the Bible provide for us when we encounter grief?  How do Christians biblically deal with loss, setbacks and grief?  In this podcast, we remind ourselves that God is still with us in those times and we look to biblical examples that point us to prayer and fait...

The Bible provides us with a comprehensive worldview that allows us to frame even modern topics such as Artificial Intelligence.  So, how should we view AI through a biblical lens?  Should Bible-based Christians support or stand opposed to such technological advancements?  How does scripture direct us concerning any threats that AI might pose to humanity?  Many will be surprised that looking at te...

The Bible speaks of us being convicted by the Holy Spirit, sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption and of our being sanctified by the Spirit until then.  But it also warns us not to quench, grieve or blaspheme the Holy Spirit.  In this podcast, we explore, using scripture itself, what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote for us not to quench the Holy Spirit.

Humans speak different languages on earth so will it be that way in heaven?  The Bible teaches us in Genesis chapter 11 that the different languages we speak are the consequence of a specific rebellion of humans against God.  As Jesus died to redeem us from the curses and debt of our sin, we understand that our speaking different languages will be reversed in the final days.  In this podcast, we d...

Was the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris a mockery of a Christian tradition?  In terms of how believers should respond, does it matter?  Christ does not see His followers as ones who should be easily offended.  He did not come to build a cult based on grievances.  What is the appropriate biblical response, then, to insults and mockery?  How does God want His people to represent Him and de...

As with all things related to Donald Trump, the opinions in the land seem to be split between those who insist that God would not intervene on behalf of someone such as the former President (because of what they see as his bad character) and those who insist equally as boldly that it is obvious divine intervention was involved in saving his life.  The truth is not as simple as either side is tryin...

What is the purpose of prayer?  And how does that purpose direct what we should be praying for?  There are verses providing specific instructions, such as praying for those in positions of leadership.  In this podcast, however, we explore the high level purposes of prayer in a Christian's life and develop five important components of prayer from the top down.

In his letter in the New Testament, James says that God cannot be tempted and that He tempts no one [James 1:1-15].  Why is it that God cannot be tempted but we can?  And how can James say He tempts no one when there are a number of places in scripture that contain accounts of God testing individuals?  In this podcast, we look at the difference between a biblical temptation and a biblical trial or...

Some say that all religions are seeking to answer the same questions and are, therefore, similar in all but the smallest details.  Others say that all religions take us to the same ending point, even if each starts at a different place and takes a different path.  But the truth is Christianity is unique among all the religions ever practiced on earth.  In this podcast, we explore five ways in whic...