The Universe Next Door

In this episode of the Universe Next Door, John Wolfley, a missionary from Thailand, discusses the cultural landscape of Thai Buddhism compared with cultural Christianity in the U.S., and how he and his team share the gospel in relational, respectful ways. John explains their approach to evangelism—prayerful, relationship-based outreach using the New Life Study, church planting, and testimony-shar...

Dr. Tom Woodward explains his new book, Epigenetics and the Architect, and introduces listeners to epigenetic mechanisms—methyl tags, RNAs, the sugar code—and how they work with DNA to regulate life’s complexity. He presents a DNA model, reviews major discoveries that overturn the idea of “junk DNA,” and discusses the implications of epigenetics for questions about design, the origin of life, and...

In this episode, Nick Shalna unpacks penal substitutionary atonement—what the term means, why it is central to the gospel, and how Scripture shows Christ taking the penalty we deserved so we can be reconciled to a holy God. We walk through key passages (1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 8) and explain the terms penal, substitutionary, and atonement, showing how God is both jus...

Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest Old Testament depictions of the gospel. However, Dr. Bart Ehrman (New Testament Scholar and Critic) suggests that Isaiah 53 does not refer to Jesus, or the idea of the Messiah in general, but rather to the nation of Israel. This episode examines prophecy and tense usage, New Testament readings (Luke and Acts), manuscript evidence like the Dead Sea Scrolls, and why...

In this final episode of the Trinity series we trace the doctrine from its Old Testament roots to its full flowering in the New Testament. Using key passages—Jesus’ baptism, the Great Commission, John 1, John 14–16, and 2 Corinthians 13:14—we see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit acting together as distinct persons yet one God. The episode also explains why common misunderstandings (modalism, Arian...

This episode traces the doctrine of the Trinity back into the Old Testament, examining passages like Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 63, Psalm 78, Genesis 19, Daniel 7, and Psalm 110 to show how Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are present and distinct yet one. Hosts explain concepts such as the "two powers in heaven," the angel of the Lord as the pre-incarnate Son, and how Old Testament theology leads into N...

This episode explains the doctrine of the Trinity—what it is, why it matters, and why common analogies fail. You’ll hear a clear working definition: one being, three co-equal and co-eternal persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), plus why the doctrine is rooted in Scripture and not a contradiction. The host also points to resources for further study, previews a follow-up on Old Testament foundations,...

In this episode of The Universe Next Door we examine the biblical figure called the "angel of the Lord," surveying key Old Testament scenes (the burning bush, Jacob's wrestling, and Abraham and Isaac) to argue that this figure is specifically the pre‑incarnate second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. We explain how "angel" functions as a messenger term without diminishing God, why the figure di...

How do we confidently and effectively share the gospel in today’s political and spiritual climate? This episode explains the human and spiritual forces behind cultural movements, the importance of understanding how agendas are formed, and why Christians must "read the room" to avoid counterfeit versions of Christianity infiltrating churches and society.

In this episode we unpack Jesus’ image of new wine and old wineskins, showing how first-century legalism distorted God’s intent and why Jesus introduced a new way of relating to God. We then connect that teaching to today, warning against the misuse of Scripture for political agendas—whether on Israel, segregation, or Christian nationalism—and urging listeners to be discerning and faithful to the...

What is annihilationism and is Kirk Cameron a heretic? Does the Bible borrow mythical concepts from Near Eastern neighbors? What is (and isn't) the concept of the Trinity and what are some of the pitfalls to watch for? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org

In this episode of The Universe Next Door we trace the Christmas narrative across Matthew and Luke, highlighting genealogy differences, the angels’ announcements to Mary and Joseph, and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (throne, house, kingdom). We unpack the timing and identity of the Magi and propose a compelling birth date for Jesus—September 11, 3 BC—drawing on Revelation 12 and astronom...

Yes, you read that right! The biggest, greatest, most concise and wonderful Christmas apologetics timeline this Thursday night at 5pm on the Universe Next Door! In the meantime: When Was Jesus Actually Born? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-most-convincing-case-for-when-jesus-was-born-and/id1464590061?i=1000681579680 Santa is Coming to Town: What Will You Do? https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

In this episode of The Universe Next Door we continue part two of a year-end look at the most-searched questions about Christianity, exploring what sin is, why people are searching for Christian music and local churches, and addressing fears about the number of the beast (666). Nick Shalna reflects on cultural shifts, how Christians should respond, and practical apologetics for today.  

"Is Jesus really God?", "Can I know God personally?", what is the role of faith in culture and politics? Join us as Nick Shalna examines the top 5 most popular Christian-related google searches and 2025, and what implications come with them! Send your questions to information@apologetics.org

Welcome to The Universe Next Door as we tackle listener questions on demons, the origin of evil spirits, Christian nationalism, angelic appearances, and the resurrection—seeking biblical clarity and objective truth. Join us for a thoughtful, grace-centered Q&A exploring theology, scripture, and culture, where difficult questions are welcomed.   Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim: https://podcasts....

Nick Shalna responds to an interview between Joe Rogan and James Talarico on Christian Nationalism. Why is Christian Nationalism a problem, and what are some of the misunderstandings surrounding it?   Video used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUEO_VlSZY

This episode examines why Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," tracing the term back to Daniel 7 and its Old Testament context. It explains how Jesus’ words about coming on the clouds and sitting at the right hand of the Ancient of Days were recognized by Jewish leaders as claims to deity, and how the passage relates to the divine council and the two powers in heaven. Send your questions t...

Have you ever wondered why there were certain expectations in the New Testament as to what Jesus was expected to do? Nick explores first-century Jewish expectations about the coming Messiah, which Old Testament prophecies were recognized and which were missed, and how Jesus’ miracles, exorcisms, death, and resurrection fulfilled Scripture (and extra-biblical expectations) in surprising ways.   Mos...

Answers to listener questions on baptism (including the Didache and immersion), King James–only claims and textual criticism, and how the Septuagint shapes New Testament readings. The episode also discusses whether all religions can be true, how Jesus claims deity in the Gospels, differing views on sin, and the Gospels as ancient Greco-Roman biography.   Related Episodes: Most Recent Q&A: http...

This episode reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and uses Yuri Bezmenov’s four stages of ideological subversion—demoralization, destabilization, crisis, and normalization—to explain where the nation stands and what may come next. It urges Christians to pray for Kirk’s family and the country, to expose and call out agendas, to avoid provocation, and to act faithfully and wisely in public...

This weeks Q&A includes topics such as dispensationalism, salvation by faith alone, and doctrine left in the dark for 1500 years.    Send your questions to information@apologetics.org for the next Q&A

In this episode, we address the rising interest among young people in traditional churches, focusing on a popular Roman Catholic video that claims the early church was entirely Catholic. We analyze the dialogue between Protestants and Catholics, particularly concerning interpretations of scripture and the authority of early church figures. This episode questions whether historical interpretations...

Is Jesus a created being, or is He indeed truly God and truly man? Join us as we dissect the scriptural affirmations of Christ's deity, focusing on pivotal terms like "image of the invisible God" and "firstborn over all creation." We aim to clear the confusion surrounding these terms, firmly establishing Jesus's unique position as the Creator of everything. As always, we welcome your inquiries and...

Join us for the final part of our series where we respond to intriguing questions posed by young adults. In this episode, we explore theological puzzles such as the nature of the unforgivable sin, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the perplexing question of what angels actually look like. We also discuss whether Jesus explicitly claimed to be God and the complexities surrounding the...