Exploring Christianity

In this devotional look at Ephesians, we cover the controversial statement from Paul about all people being dead in sin. Paul was careful and purposeful with his words, so we're forced to ask, "What does it mean to be dead in sin, and why does it matter?" As we look at this verse, we will find that Paul's diagnosis is helpful and practical for our walk of faith. Links: Website: thechristianexplorer.org Instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer Facebook: facebook.com/thechristianexplorer

In this episode, we're back exploring the early church. This time, we examine a heresy that started out as a response to another heresy. We will examine what it is, why people believe it, how the Bible deals with it, and what it means for us today. Website: thechristianexplorer.org Instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer

In this episode, we begin to explore heresies in the early church about Jesus starting with the heresy of docetism. We will look at what it is, why people would have believed it, how the Bible deals with it, and what it means for us today. Website: thechristianexplorer.org Facebook: facebook.com/thechristianexplorer Instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer

Paul ends the first chapter of Ephesians with the culmination of all the blessings we have in Christ: the church. In this episode, we consider how the church belongs to Jesus, and as such, is ordered according to Him. And we find that if we do our part in the church the way He intended, we will be tremendously blessed.   Links: Website: ⁠thechristianexplorer.org⁠ Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/thechristianexplorer⁠ Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/thechristianexplorer⁠

We start out on a series of explorations into who Jesus is and the many wrong views of him throughout history by exploring the incarnation. What does it mean for God to be with us? How is Jesus both divine and human? And what does that mean for us today? These questions and more are considered in this episode. Links: Website: thechristianexplorer.org Instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer Facebook: facebook.com/thechristianexplorer

Using our minds intentionally is an often overlooked aspect of the Christian life. It doesn't rank high on the scale of importance for many Christians. In this episode, we consider the many reasons thinking should take a prominent role in the life of faith. There are also dangers to watch out for: pride from within, and the outside influence of the world. These dangers should cause us to embrace careful biblically shaped thought instead of driving us away from thinking intentionally about God, the gospel, and how to live the Christian life. To find out more about theThinking Christianity book: https://www.thechristianexplorer.org/thinking-christianity

What are the tools you need to properly understand each passage of Scripture you read? In this episode we look at the science of interpration, followed by a few practical examples. Learn how to look for what the author intended, the plain meaning of the passage, and the grammatical structure of sentences and paragraphs. Once you understand these, you will be well on your way to rightly dividing the Word of Truth. website:thechristianexplorer.org instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey

Whether we are aware or not, certain influences and ideas create our framework for studying the Bible. They can negatively affect our understanding of God's Word, causing us to add to it, manipulate it, or detract from it. In this episode we won't get rid of influences or frameworks, but we look for the best framework for faithfully studying the Bible. website: thechristianexplorer.org instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer

If we want to understand the present power of Christ in His church and in the world, it is crucial we understand the power of God in salvation. When we understand it, we gain an optimistic worldview. In this episode, we continue looking at how Paul prays for the Ephesian church to understand the gospel. website: thechristianexplorer.org instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer

What fuels a life of joy? Most people today turn to experiences and lifestyles to find joy, but Anselm of Canterbury found a different way through deeply considering the existence of God. As we follow Anselm on his journey, we find rationally thinking about God takes us to a destination where our belief in God produces the greatest goodness we will ever experience.  website: thechristianexplorer.org instagram: instagram.com/thechristianexplorer

When Christians think about salvation, their attention is quickly turned to God's grace. As we continue in Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, Paul expands our understanding of God's grace in salvation to include His power. In this episode, we consider what it means for us to think of our salvation as something God's power brings about. Website: thechristianexplorer.org

For Christians, prayer is an essential part of life. Paul teaches us how to turn our attention away from our physical needs to pray for our spiritual needs. In this episode, we learn how to pray for the gospel to produce spiritual growth in our Christian life. Blog: thechristianexplorer.org

Anselm of Canterbury lived during the 'dark ages' but that didn't keep him from finding the light of the doctrine of God. Not only can we learn from his teaching on the doctrine of God, but also his reason for searching out the deep things of God. Anselm helps us to think about God as He is in Himself, and to find our greatest joy in Him. thechristianexplorer.org

As explorers in the faith, there are tools to use as guides and checkpoints to lookout for. In this episode, we take some time to first look at the tools for exploration and then consider important checkpoints that keep us on the right path. Latest Article How Theology Brings Us Rest Books Thinking Christianity How Do We Glorify God?

Paul turns from his overview of the gospel to commend and encourage the Ephesian believers in their faith and love. In this episode, we look at what faith and love mean for Christians and how humility is connected to both. thechristianexplorer.org

What does it take to explore Christianity and stay the course all at once? To explore, we must have a goal, a proper attitude, and the necessary tools at our disposal. In this episode, we consider both what exploring Christianity is and is not. Article on asking good questions: https://www.thechristianexplorer.org/post/wrong-questions-don-t-exist-but-bad-ones-do

The story of redemption spans the breadth of time. It is the focal point of history and the future. In this episode, we take a few steps back to observe the grand narrative of salvation and trace the story of our salvation from start to finish. thechristianexplorer.org

Eternal security can be a controversial subject, but not to Paul. In this episode, we look at the rock-solid evidence of eternal security given by Paul, and we connect it to his writings on the armour of God. thechristianexplorer.org

If you have experienced salvation, you probably haven't thought much about this question. Paul, however, deems it important enough to remind the believers in Ephesus how they were saved. In this episode, we consider three universal, objective realities about how our salvation came about. thechristianexplorer.org Check out my latest book: How Do We Glorify God?

Have you ever wondered why you were saved? Or perhaps your question is why God saves us? In this episode, we come to the end of the great first paragraph in Ephesians, and we observe how Paul threads together great gospel truths to make an unbreakable cord. We also look at four practical ways to glorify God. For the blog: thechristianexplorer.org For my latest book: How Do We Glorify God?

We close our exploration of the great controversy of the early church with an exploration into why this controversy (and every other church controversy) matters for us today. Personally, exploring this controversy has led me deeper into studying the doctrine of God, so exploring the relationship between the deity and humanity of Jesus will happen in a later episode. For now, based on this early church controversy, we will look at why controversy is necessary for clarity in doctrine, and why the concepts of the faith are important for a biblical worldview.

We come to another short passage of Ephesians that is full of great and necessary truth. Have you ever considered God sending Christ at the right time as a blessing? Or have you thought about how your union with Christ unifies you with every believer everywhere? This episode explores the answers to both questions. thechristianexplorer.org

Note: I have not forgotten Ephesians 1:10. It will be uploaded soon. Do you really believe your salvation is unconditional? If not, Ephesians 1:11 is a verse to dispel all doubts and thoroughly convince you otherwise. Paul holds no punches (so to speak) when describing just how unconditional our salvation truly is. It is a concept for us to consider, and in considering it, apply the full and deep blessings of the gospel to our hearts. thechristianexplorer.org

Have you struggled with the topic of Christ's divinity? My guess is most likely not. And that is because the debate was settled 1700 years ago. If you have struggled with it, it is most likely because a heretical understanding of Christ transported from the early church to today. In this episode, we dive into the events surrounding the great controversy over the person of Jesus Christ that occurred in AD 325. thechristianexplorer.org For the LutheranSatire video on the Trinity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQLfgaUoQCw

Did you know the gospel is a mystery revealed? Perhaps a better question to ask is, why does Paul think the mystery of the gospel is important for Christians to understand? Listen in as we explore the grandeur of God's plan of redemption. thechristianexplorer.org

We continue with Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and we consider two insights into our salvation. They are for us to ponder, and they serve as a framework for understanding the whole of our salvation. These two insights cover every base, from God's plan for our salvation to the application of it. For more episodes: anchor.fm.com/exploring-christianity To read the blog: thechristianexplorer.org

In Ephesians 1:7 Paul turns his attention to an aspect of the gospel that reaches us most deeply, namely our redemption and forgiveness. Both redemption and forgiveness shape the practical application of the gospel, and in this episode, we observe how they affect us. Visit thechristianexplorer.org for more great biblical content.

The early church was marked by persecution and doctrinal controversy, both of which shaped the church in the most remarkable and lasting ways. In this episode, we go back in time to the early church to observe the culture around it, the persecution it faced, and the controversy that shaped it. From this, we gather enough context for the great controversy of the 4th Century. Book Recommendation: 2000 Years of Christ's Power by Nick Needham Josephus: Complete Works Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius For more, subscribe to Exploring Christianity

One of the most unpopular truths today is that God is for God before God is for us; that God's story is more important than our story. Paul shows us this truth is meant to cause adoration and worship to rise within, rather than disdain and dismissal. In this episode, we observe how theology leads to doxology, and how our worship of God must always be informed by our doctrine of God. For more information, visit anchor.fm/exploring-christianity

Predestination is near the top of modern Christianity's "Words to Avoid" list because of the controversy surrounding it. Yet, Paul harmoniously intertwines predestination with our adoption as sons into God's family. In this episode, we consider what these doctrines mean when they are connected to each other, and how that applies to our lives as Christians. For more information: anchor.fm/exploring-christianity For the blog: thechristianexplorer.org

The doctrine of election is controversial because it is a statement about the works and will of God. So, our minds cannot fully comprehend it. We are left with simple statements, and we must consider them in light of other similar statements in the Bible to grasp as much as we possibly can. In this episode, we look at one such clear statement and consider what it means in light of the gospel statements connected to it and its meaning for our Christian lives. Listen to Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon here. For more information, visit anchor.fm/exploring-christianity

Christians speak a lot about blessings, but they speak about material and earthly blessings more often than not. The Bible, however, does not promise us earthly, material blessings. Rather, it promises us the greatest blessing of all: Jesus Christ Himself. In this episode, we look at Ephesians 1:3 and consider what it means to be blessed in Christ. For more information: anchor.fm/exploring-christianity For How Do We Glorify God? : Amazon, or Danielklassen.ca To read the latest blog post: thechristianexplorer.org

When Paul greets the Ephesians, he isn't concerned about formality. Rather, he greets them in the gospel, and the two words best describing the gospel are grace and peace. These words get to the heart of the gospel. In this episode, we consider the work of the gospel and the God who has given us the gospel. For more information, go to exploringchristianity.buzzsprout.comFor the blog, go to thechristianexplorer.orgFor my latest book, find it on Amazon.ca or Danielklassen.ca

Most people would turn to Martin Luther's famous 95 theses to know why the Reformation happened in the sixteenth century, but for our exploration, we turn to a lesser-known but better resource: John Calvin's The Necessity of Reforming the Church. We will consider the state of scholasticism and the trouble in the Catholic Church, but only to set the scene for Calvin's treatise to help us understand why the Reformation happened. Calvin focusses on four areas in the Church: Worship, Salvation, Sacraments, and Church Government, and while these can be taken for granted, Calvin shows us how important they are for the life of the Church. This episode not only helps us observe the state of sixteenth-century Christianity but also causes us to reflect on modern Christianity with the intention of pointing out our need to reform today.  For more information: exploringchristianity.buzzsprout.comTo read the blog: thechristianexplorer.orgFor my latest book: Amazon.ca Twitter

In this episode, we begin our adventure through the book of Ephesians. To truly understand the message Paul intended for the church in Ephesus, we must let this letter speak for itself by first considering the content and context before we move to apply it to our lives today. We shouldn't be too quick in reading Paul's introductions in his letters, especially to the Ephesians. As we carefully examine the first verse of Ephesians, we find out what motivated Paul in his Christian walk and what Christianity is all about. All that in one simple verse! For more information: anchor.fm/exploring-christianity To read the blog: thechristianexplorer.org Twitter: twitter.com/mrdanielklassen

"Romans is, humanly speaking, the most impressive of Paul's letters," Sinclair Ferguson once wrote, "But Ephesians is probably the most elegant." It is the gospel understood in light of union with Christ. In this episode, we take a helicopter tour over the book of Ephesians to see it is not a collection of disconnected parts, but one theme explained and applied. We also take a look at a neat historical event connecting Paul with the Ephesian church, and we get a glimpse into the culture of Ephesus. For more information: anchor.fm/exploring-christianity To read the blog: thechristianexplorer.org Twitter: twitter.com/mrdanielklassen

What is the gospel? We hear a lot about the gospel, about "gospel" music, about being "gospel-centred," but not a lot of gospel itself. Paul gives us an indispensable overview of the gospel in the first eight chapters in writing to the Romans. He begins with our sinfulness, moving onto Jesus Christ as our substitute, and concluding with the assurance of the believer. In this episode, we dive into each of these aspects to understand the basic, simple gospel in a meaningful way. For more information about this podcast, go to anchor.fm/exploring-christianity To read the blog, go to thechristianexplorer.org To follow on Twitter, go to twitter.com/mrdanielklassen For more information about my latest book, click here