Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast

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This is a nerdy, funny, informative show featuring Maggie Ulmer, Scott Kisker, and David F. Watson. We love to talk about all things Christian, and especially Methodist and Wesleyan. We're particularly interested in the work of God today through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the ways in which Go…

David Watson


    • May 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 42m AVG DURATION
    • 205 EPISODES

    4.8 from 135 ratings Listeners of Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast that love the show mention: wesleyan, methodist church, watson, maggie, spirited, well worth a listen, charismatic, theological, holy spirit, gives me hope, united, mary, prayer, indeed, theology, 10 10 would, scott, david, challenging, wit.


    Ivy Insights

    The Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone interested in Methodist theology and doctrine within the Wesleyan tradition. With a perfect blend of humor and deep discussions, this podcast provides valuable insights and perspectives on a variety of topics related to the historic faith. The hosts effortlessly transition between theological discussions and banter, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners. The podcast also helps integrate faith with the reality of life, reminding us that Jesus is not just an abstract concept but a real person that we can experience through the Holy Spirit.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to bring solid Methodist theology to life with a sense of humor. The hosts provide lively discussions on theology, church history, Methodism, and Wesleyan thought. They invite excellent speakers who contribute to thoughtful conversations on various subjects, inspiring deeper thought and reflection on the church, faith, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. The diverse range of topics covered in this podcast makes it engaging for both long-time Methodists and those new to the faith.

    While there are many positives about The Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast, one could argue that it may not be as accessible to those unfamiliar with Methodist theology or doctrinal concepts. Some episodes delve into deep theological discussions that may be challenging for those without prior knowledge or familiarity with these topics. However, even for beginners in Methodism or Christianity overall, this podcast still offers valuable insights that can inspire further exploration.

    In conclusion, The Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking solid Methodist theology presented in an engaging and humorous manner. The hosts' chemistry and command over their subject matter make each episode enjoyable while challenging listeners to think deeply about their faith. Whether you're a lifelong Methodist or new to Wesleyan traditions, this podcast will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of Methodism.



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    Latest episodes from Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast

    The Resurgence of Western Christianity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 45:52


    On today's episode of the Firebrand Podcast David, Scott and Maggie share some updates and discuss a rescent poll that shows the decline of Christianity in the West may be leveling off. In this episode: David F. Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    Is Christianity Still Declining?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 43:42


    Today the Firbreand team discusses the question: Is Christianity Still Declining? In this episode: Scott Kisker David Watson Tesia Mallory  

    What has Cyprus to do with Cuba?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 44:55


    In this episode the Firebrand team with guest host Tesia Mallory reflects on recent experiences in Cypress Greece and Havana Cuba! In this episode: David F. Watson Scott Kisker Tesia Mallory

    Why Are Bible Sales Skyrocketing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 60:59


    Today the Firebrand team discusses why first time purchases of the Bible are skyrocketing.   In this episode: David F. Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    A Conversation with Precious Jewel Talari

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 44:59


    Scott, David and Tesia have a conversation with Precious Jewel Talari!  

    A Conversation with Precious Jewel Talari

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 44:59


    Scott, David and Tesia have a conversation with Precious Jewel Talari!  

    A Wesleyan Biblical/Theological Argument for Women's Leadership and Ordination

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 42:28


    This week David, Scott, and Maggie discuss Scott's recent article in Firebrand Magazine: A Wesleyan Biblical/Theological Argument for Women's Leadership and Ordination by Scott T. Kisker   In this episode: David F. Watson Scott T. Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    Wesley's Rules for Voting! (The Politics Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 40:21


    On today's episode the David, Scott, and Maggie talk about Wesley's rules for voting, and the spiritual and ethical implications of how we allow politics to affect our lives as Christians.

    Why Evangelicals Aren't Going to Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 48:20


    On today's episode David, Scott and Maggie discuss a recent Substack post by Ryan Burg that discussed perpelexing data that shows a drop int he number of evanglicals going to church.  Read the Ryan Burge's substack article here: "I'm and Evangelical But I Rarely Go to Church"

    Global Methodists in Costa Rica!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 45:23


    In today's episode the Firebrand podcast team, with special guest Tesia Mallory, talks about some highlights from the conveneing general conference of the Global Methodist Church in San Jose, Costa Rica. David also tells us how we can support hurricane relief for those affected by hurricane Helene. He also wants you to know that he's an excellent hiker! In today's episode: David F. Watson Scott T. Kisker Tesia Mallory Maggie Ulmer

    We're going to Costa Rica, y'all!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 38:35


    In today's episode David and Maggie talk about the convening Genera Conference of the Global Methodist Church in Costa Rica! For more information about the Global Methodist Church hit the link below! https://globalmethodist.org/ In this episode: David F. Watson Maggie Ulmer

    A Conversation on GMC Bishops with Dr. Tesia Mallory and Dr. Ryan Danker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 49:22


    In today's episode David talks with Dr. Tesia Mallory and Dr. Ryan Danker about the history of the episcopacy and the way the office evolved under Wesley's leadership. They also share their respective thoughts on the GMC's conversation around the episcopacy today. In this episode: David F. Watson Tesia Lee Mallory Ryan Nicholas Danker

    David and Maggie Discuss: Which Voices Are Really Prophetic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 42:21


    We're back after taking some time off! In today's episode David and Maggie discuss Mark Chironna's recent big-read in Firebrand Magazine: "Which Voices Are Really Prophetic?" Read the original article below! https://firebrandmag.com/articles/which-voices-are-really-prophetic-firebrand-big-read

    Liturgy: No Clowning Around!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 51:08


    On this weeks episode of the Firebradnd Podcast David and Maggie talk Dr. Tesia Mallory about her passion for, and advocay of liturgy in the church.   In this episode: Tesia Mallory Maggie Ulmer David Watson

    Opportunities and Challenges for the GMC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 36:20


    This week on the Firebrand Podcast David, Scott and Maggie have a hopeful conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing the Global Methodist Church.  In this episode: David F. Watson Scott T. Kisker Maggie Ulmer https://firebrandmag.com/

    Firebrand Voices: "When Heaven Meets Earth: The Ascension of Christ" by Evan Rohrs-Dodge

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 9:39


    On today's episode of Firebrand Voices Evan Rohrs-Dodge reads his most recent article called: "When Heaven Meets Earth: The Ascension of Christ" Read the original article below! https://firebrandmag.com/articles/heaven-meets-earth-the-ascension-of-christ In this episode: Evan Rohrs-Dodge Maggie Ulmer

    How Not to Do a Men's Conference: A Conversation about Jezabel Spirit and What Makes Stronger Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 68:01


    On today's episode David, Maggie, Pete Bellini and Matt Reynolds discuss the recent Stronger Men's Conference held at the James River Church and the ensuing conversation around among other topics the Jezabel Spirit.    In this episode: David F. Watson Matt Reynolds Maggie Ulmer Peter J. Bellini  

    Christians and Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 40:54


    In today's episode David, Scott and Maggie discuss the gnarly intersection of politics and faith and David's recent substack about political commentator Charlie Kirk. In today's episode: David F. Watson Scott T. Kisker Maggie Ulmer Sign up for David's podcast here: https://davidfwatson3.substack.com/    

    Do Wesleyans believe we are "once saved always saved?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 31:36


    In this episode David Scott and Maggie discuss whether Wesleyans espouse belief in the doctrine "once saved always saved." Check us out on Twitter: @FirebrandMag In this episode: David Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    FIREBRAND VOICES: Resurrecting Wesleyan Evangelism: The Necessity of Field Preaching Today by Matt Reynolds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 13:54


    In today's episode Matt Reynolds reads his recent Fireband article:  "Resurrecting Wesleyan Evangelism: The Necessity of Field Preaching Today" Read the original article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/resurrecting-wesleyan-evangelism-the-necessity-of-field-preaching-today

    He Gets Us: Jesus at "The Big Game!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 64:20


    In today's episode the Firebrand team discusses the newest ad from the "He Gets Us" ad campaign: Jesus didn't teach hate. He washed feet. Stick around to the end of the podcast for a new Firebrand Podcast segment called Firebrand recommends! In today's episode: David Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    How to set up a deliverance ministry in your church!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 38:21


    In today's episode David, Scott and Maggie discuss the benefits, and how-tos of setting up a deliverance ministry in your local church. Books mentioned in the podcast: The X-Manual Unleashed by Peter J. Bellini Deliverance and Inner Healing by John Loren Sandford and Mark Sandford Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis Macnutt

    Christmas-tastic 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 52:34


    Okay... yes, it seems late, but it's still Christmas until Epiphany. Plus, you don't want to miss the rivieting discussion of Krampus in this one. 

    Firebrand Voices: Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A Holistic Vision for Church Renewal by Matt Reynolds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 15:01


    Listen to Matt Reynolds read his article: "Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A Holistic Vision for Church Renewal" Read the original article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/doctrine-spirit-and-discipline-a-holistic-vision-for-church-renewal  Donate to Firebrand here: https://firebrandmag.com/match

    Firebrand Panel: Artificial Intelligence and It's Implications for the Christian Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 88:39


    Today's episode of the Firebrand Podcast is a live panel discussion recorded earlier this past year. The discussion was about AI and it's impact on the Christian life. Panelists include: Dr. Pete Bellini, Dr. David Watson, Mr. Todd Jenkins, and President of Spirit & Truth Matt Reynolds. The conversation was moderated by Maggie Ulmer.  Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar donated to Firebrand between now and the end of January will be matched up to 12,000.00 dollars. To help us reach our goal go to: https://firebrandmag.com/match

    The Rise of Antisemitism in the United States

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 33:26


    In this episode David, Scott, and Maggie wade through the topic of the current troubling rise of antisemitic sentiment in the United States. In this episode: David Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    Christianity vs Deism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 43:02


    In this episode the Firebrand podcast crew tackle the question: Why should someone be a Christian rathern than merely Deist? The Firebrand Podcast is the official podcast of Firebrand Magazine: https://firebrandmag.com/ In this episode: David Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    Firebrand Panel: Why the Future of Methodism Needs to Be Spirit-Filled

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 67:36


    Today's episode of the Firebrand Podcast features a panel of speakers discussing why the future of Methodism must reclaim it's Spirit-filled roots to thrive. Hosted by: Matt Reynolds Maggie Ulmer Panelists include: Dr. David Watson (Academic Dean at United Theological Seminary) Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore (Founding Pastor of Mosaic Church in Evans, Georgia) Dr. Steve Seamands (Retired professor of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary) Dr. Pete Bellini (Professor of Church Renewal and Evangelization at United Theological Seminary).  

    "Is this Armageddon???" The crew discusses the ongoing conflict in Israel.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 38:28


    David, Scott and Maggie answer the question: Is this Armegeddon? The crew discusses the ongoing conflict in Israel. (Also check out our new opening music.) In this episode: Scott Kisker David Watson Maggie Ulmer

    Firebrand Voices: Recovering Logic: Reflections on Critical Thinking Skills in Ministerial Training by Kenny Johnston

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 15:24


    Kenny Johnston reads his recent Firebrand article: Recovering Logic: Reflections on Critical Thinking Skills in Ministerial Training. Read the Firebrand article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/recovering-logic-reflections-on-critical-thinking-skills-in-ministerial-training Thank you to this episode's sponsor: United Theological Seminary https://united.edu/

    Firebrand Voices: Thoughts Upon Christian Orthodoxy (Or, Epistemology Can't Save You) by David F. Watson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 17:50


    In todays' episode of Firebrand Voices David F. Watson readis his article "Thoughts Upon Christian Orthodoxy (Or, Epistemology Can't Save You)"  Read the print article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/thoughts-upon-christian-orthodoxy-or-epistemology-cant-save-you

    David, Scott & Maggie talk about the great De-Churching

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 51:44


    In this episode the crew discusses the challenges facing the church and talk a bit about  The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis, Michael Graham and Ryan Burge. In this episode: David F. Watons Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer

    Jerome Van Kuiken talks about his new book: The Judas We Never Knew!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 43:54


    On today's episode Scott, David and Maggie interview Jerome Van Kuiken about his new book The Judas We Never Knew, published through Seedbed. Link below! https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-judas-we-never-knew/  

    Biblical theology (and so much more) w/ Dr. Pauline Buisch!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 60:22


    This is a long one, but a good one! The Firebrand crew talks with Pauline Buisch about the patterns and themes throughout scripture. Maggie asks some rambling questions. Scott realizes that the Bible is profound, and David thinks the Book of Ezekiel is just too darn long.  Don't forget to subscribe! https://firebrandmag.com/

    Dr. Cinda Swan Part 2: All about prayer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 57:37


    Cinda returns to the podcast to disscuss intercession and all things prayer with Maggie!

    Special Episode w/ Justus Hunter: Why theology matters!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 51:00


    This is a special drop-in episode from the Spirit & Truth  podcast with Dr. Justus Hunter. We talk about the Firebrand Theology Seminar and why theology matters!

    Dr. Reggie Abraham talks w/ the team about Christian persecution in India, pastoral care, and more...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 51:43


    David, Scott and Maggie talk w/ Dr. Reggie Abraham about his life as the child in India, the persecution of Christians in India, God's calling on him and his family, and his work in pastoral care. Many thanks to Reggie for this fascinating and wide ranging conversation!

    Firebrand Voices: “That Liturgical Stuff”: How Worship Shapes Orthodoxy by Tesia Mallory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2023 12:36


    Dean of Chapel at United Theological Seminary, Dr. Tesia Mallory reads her recent Firebrand article: "That Liturgical Stuff": How Worship Shapes Orthodoxy.

    Firebrand Voices: On Form and Content: Ecclesiology and The Writers' Strike by Drew McIntyre

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 14:19


    On today's episode of the Firebrand podcast Drew McIntyre reads his recent article: "On Form and Content: Ecclesiology and The Writers' Strike" Read the original article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/on-form-and-content-ecclesiology-and-the-writers-strike

    Listener Questions: Part 2!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 59:12


    In today's episode of the Firebrand podcast the crew dives into more listener questions!  

    Firebrand Voices: The Serpent in the Techno-Garden: Resisting the Temptation to Use AI for Ministry by Suzanne Nicholson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2023 17:46


    Dr. Suzanne Nicholson reads her Firebrand article: The Serpent in the Techno-Garden: Resisting the Temptation to Use AI for Ministry orginally published May 23, 2023. https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-serpent-in-the-techno-garden-resisting-the-temptation-to-use-ai-for-ministry To support Firebrand go to:  https://www.spiritandtruth.life/give

    Firebrand Voices: Firebrand at Three: The Cultivation of the Christian Mind by David F. Watson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 12:19


    Firebrand Voices: Firebrand at Three: The Cultivation of the Christian Mind by David F. Watson Read the original article: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/firebrand-at-three-the-cultivation-of-the-christian-mind

    Firebrand Voices: The Ancient Faith I Never Knew: Discovering the Protestant Heritage by Stephen Fitch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 14:05


    Today's episode of Firebrand Voices features Stephen Fitch reading his article "The Ancient Faith I Never Knew: Discovering the Protestant Heritage" Read the original here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-ancient-faith-i-never-knew-discovering-the-protestant-heritage To support Firebrand Magazine go to: https://firebrandmag.com/donate

    The importance of spiritual warfare and intercession w/ Dr. Cinda Swan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 60:26


    In this episode David, Scott and Maggie talk with Cinda Swan about the importance os spiritual warfare and intercession.  DOWNLOAD NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY! In this episode: David Watson Scott Kisker Maggie Ulmer Cinda Swan

    Firebrand Voices: Wesley's Four Spiritual Laws by Bob Kaylor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 13:05


    Bob Kaylor reads his recent Firebrand article: Wesley's Four Spiritual Laws Read the original article here: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/wesleys-four-spiritual-laws

    Firebrand Voices: "Methodists Need a Charismatic Upgrade!" by Peter J. Bellini

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 18:18


    Peter J. Bellini reads his recent article: "Methodists Need a Chrismatic Upgrade!" https://firebrandmag.com/articles/methodists-need-a-charismatic-upgrade

    Firebrand Voices: "Choose Kingdom Life!" by Rachel Coleman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2023 22:13


    Today's episode of Firebrand Voices features Rachel Coleman reading her article "Choose Kingdom Life!" from Firebrand magazine.  Read the print version here! Subscribe to Firebrand magazine!

    Responding to Listener Questions, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 68:19


    We cover a wide swath on this one, from biblical historiography to the gifts of the Holy Spirit to sweater vests to the particularity of religious traditions. Spoiler alert: we don't agree on everything. @maggieulmer @spirittruthlife @utsdoc 

    Christ is Risen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 42:48


    Dr. Tammie Grimm joins us to talk about the the resurrection of our Lord. Maggie had to sit this one out, so David takes the helm, and Scott somehow works the Germans into the conversation. 

    David, Scott, & Maggie reflect on the cross in honor of Good Friday; & David relives his adolescence reminiscing about 80's rock music.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2023 45:16


    In today's episode of the Firebrand Podcast the crew discusses the atonement and the various theories that describe it. 

    Firebrand Voices: David F. Watson reads his article: "Why Christians Must Reject Assisted Suicide"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 14:18


    Today's show is a Firebrand Voices episode. David F. Watson reads his article: "Why Christians Must Reject Assisted Suicide." The original print article can be read here!    

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