The Analytical Preacher - Bible Discussions For The Modern World

Some patriotically defend the USA as the greatest nation on earth while others call it trash and bemoan it as irredeemable.  Does the Bible provide any guidance on who is correct?  Scripture can certainly help us in framing this debate but perhaps not in the way many think it would.  The Bible's input here has more to do with the pitfalls in human nature of which we must be ever vigilant than...

There are a number of occurrences (early) in the New Testament of individuals being possessed by and freed of demons.  But there are no such accounts recorded in the Old Testament.  So, did demon possession occur in only one short span in history?  If so, why?  Also, does the Bible give us any hints as to whether we should expect demons and possession to fade away?  In this podcast, Andy examines...

Does the Bible condone, support or condemn the practice of meditation?  As we see in the scriptures we examine in this podcast, the Bible encourages - almost commands - that we practice meditation but in a slightly different form than what we see practiced by the Eastern Religions today.

It is a common belief that Jesus descended into Hell between His death and Resurrection.  It is even a component of some of the most famous Christian creeds.  But did Jesus go to Hell and if so, why?  In this podcast, we look at the two main scriptures used to support the notion that Christ descended to Hell, breaking down the meaning of the original words and considering what the context suggests...

Is the Mark Of The Beast spoken of in Revelation a literal, physical mark given only at a certain point in history by the Anti Christ and his prophet, as is so commonly thought today?  The answer in large part depends on how you view the book of Revelation itself.  As are so many of the things described in Revelation, it is quite possible that the Mark Of The Beast is a symbolic description for ho...

It is often stated that being a Christian is more about a relationship with Jesus than it is about following rules and regulations.  But Jesus did tell us in the Great Commission that we should learn to observe and obey everything that He commanded.  So, without becoming a mindless rule follower, acting as often with bad intentions as with good, how do we live a life of Christian obedience?  What...

In Hebrews chapter 4, the author states that Jesus was tempted in every respect as are we, though He remained sinless through the process.  But with all the temptations of the modern world, how is it possible that Christ could have been tempted just like we are today?  In this podcast, Andy looks at the scripture in question and a couple of other relevant verses to provide the biblical answer to t...

The example that Jesus set for His followers was one of living a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice.  But there are also verses where Jesus promises blessings, peace and even a life most abundant for Christians.  So, which is it, a life of self-sacrifice or a life of abundance?  Can it be both?  In this podcast Andy uses scripture to dissolve the apparent tension between these two options, exp...

There are verses in scripture that speak very harshly about slave traders and slave holders.  Yet there are also verses that seem to provide support for the institution.  So, what does the Bible say about slavery - how does it define it and does it provide slavery with an endorsement?  In this podcast, Andy looks at scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments to provide comprehensive answers t...

The Bible teaches one of the curses of sin is that bad things such as sickness and natural disasters will occur. And we also see in certain parts of scripture that God has used such things as punishment against specific people for specific transgressions. In this podcast, Andy addresses the issue of how we know when a misfortune is direct punishment from God and whether such occurrences still take...

Are all sins bad?  What about sins that we do in private that no one else knows about?  What about sins that don't seem to harm anyone, including us?  In this podcast, Andy uses the story of the fall in the Garden of Eden and a simple instruction given to the Israelite army which dramatically show our need to obey God through faith. Adam and Eve could not have possibly understood the conseque...

We know that we can be tempted without sinning, as the Bible tells us Jesus did just that. But we are also warned that our thoughts and internal desires can be sinful. So, when does a thought become a sin? In this podcast, Andy explores that question and answers it from a biblical foundation.

Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Old Covenant and it would stay in effect until all was accomplished in it. Jesus having fulfilled it, though, we are no longer under its obligations, including keeping the Sabbath.  In this podcast, Andy explains the Old and New Testament verses that make this clear to us and also examines a few other differences in how God instructs us to act now that we are...

It is impossible to 'prove' that something doesn’t exist but has science - given its ability to explain everything by natural causes - at least eliminated the need for a god-like entity to exist? In this podcast, Andy explores what science can and can't explain in terms of natural causes and scientific laws and compares it to what the Bible records as being governed by natural laws...

Many people point out that though Jesus said He would be in the earth three days and three nights, He did not quite make it that long, given a Friday night to Sunday morning timeline.  In this podcast, Andy explains that Jesus was in the grave for the period of time He foretold. He uses the Bible, of course, to explain the answer to the apparent contradiction.

Christianity today is marked by a myriad of denominations and sub denominations.  But are Christians instructed to do this in the Bible?  No, in fact, just the opposite.  In this podcast, Andy discusses what the Bible has to say on the topic and explains why denominations developed in the first place.

One of the most personal and painful questions asked of a minister by someone is whether God will forgive them (or even could possibly forgive them) for what they have done.  Many asking the question have indeed done some terrible things that have hurt a great many people.  But the good news is that the answer to the question rests not on how bad we are but how good and merciful God is!  We can be...

When speaking to others about God or praying to Him alone, what are we to call Him?  God gave a description of Himself and a name for Himself to Moses in the Old Testament.  The question of how we are to refer to God is a common one and there are a few mistaken notions related to the topic.  In this podcast, Andy will explore what the Bible says and use the scriptures of the New Testament to provi...

The Bible says that we cannot serve God and money and that the love of money is the root of much evil.  But few specific rules and regulations are given for how a believer should make, spend, invest or give away their money in the New Testament scriptures.  Because we live in a wealthy, capitalist society, many Christians are seeking answers to the question "how much is too much"?  In th...

Are the teachings of Jesus opposed to capitalism?  Should Christians support or engage in capitalistic activities?  Honest questions such as these are often discussed in Christian circles but not always in a logical and objective fashion.  In this podcast, Andy searches for answers through the lens of a biblical worldview.

A long simmering battle in the Christian world over whether we should use the Old Testament portion of the Bible in our preaching and teaching has gotten a little hotter lately.  Two recent sparing partners have been Andy Stanley and Ken Ham.  So, should Christians in modern day America still rely on Old Testament scriptures and if so, how much and for what?  We do need the Old Testament in order...

Relationships are critical to our life, health and happiness.  But human relationships - especially marriage - can be challenging.  Thankfully the Bible offers words of wisdom and guidance.  In this podcast, Andy discusses some specific biblical recommendations to help make our marriages stronger.

Relationships are critical to our life, health and happiness.  But human relationships - whether with family, friends or our spouse - can be extremely challenging.  Thankfully the Bible offers words of wisdom and guidance for our relationships.  In this podcast, Andy discusses some of those biblical guidelines to improve our general relationships and friendships.  Next week's podcast will inc...

Why did Jesus have to die?  Couldn't God have just forgiven us our sins and let us all into heaven?  In this podcast, Andy discusses this question, pulling the answer from the attributes of God's holiness and the consequences of our sins.  The best solution, in fact the only solution, was for Christ to pay our sin debt in the manner in which He did and we will discuss why here.

Would you like to be certain about your salvation?  Is it even possible to know now whether you are truly saved?  If it is possible, then how do we know?  This is a common, recurring question in Christian circles.  The Bible does actually tell us that it is possible to be assured of our salvation and provides answers about how we will come to this assured knowledge.  In this podcast, Andy looks pr...