The Hero of the Story

Is it the end of the world as we know it? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The good news of Revelation 19-22 and the new heaven and new earthWhat the new creation doesn't mean (and why that matters as much as what it does)How... The post Look Happy, it's the End (and New Beginning) of the World [Ep. 280] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What is the world coming to these days? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture demonstrates the importance of social concern from a Christian perspectiveHow social concern relates to our mission of making disciplesWhy we must make a distinction between evangelistic work... The post Christians in Society [Ep. 279] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Does the family matter? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture demonstrates the importance of family relationshipsWhy we need to uphold the ideal and language of family, even when our experience falls shortWhat we need to understand about the language of submission... The post Why the Family Matters [Ep. 278] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is the book of Revelation easier to understand than we think? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The central theme of Revelation 5 and its connection to the rest of the bookWhy it matters that only Jesus is worthy of worshipHow this vision gives us... The post The Real Message of Revelation [Ep. 277] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why does baptism matter? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture demonstrates the importance of baptismWhy we must maintain the gospel as the grounds for baptismWhy Christians who might disagree around the timing and method of baptism still agree on its importanceHow... The post The Importance of Baptism for the Believer [Ep. 276] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is it better to be hot or cold? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: An overview of the seven letters to the seven churches addressed in RevelationThe uniqueness of Jesus' words to the Laodicean churchCommon misunderstandings of the description of a preference for being hot... The post The Useful Christian [Ep. 275] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Who are these people? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Where and why the church is referred to as the people of God in ScriptureWhy we shouldn't see this understanding of the church as something entirely newThe importance of distinguishing between the universal... The post The Church, God, and His People [Ep. 274] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why can't we skip Revelation? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The importance of Revelation to the story of Scripture and how to correctly pronounce its nameThe basics of apocalyptic literatureWhat other parts of the Bible are referenced in and inform Revelation itselfHow this passage... The post An Apocalyptic Primer [Ep. 273] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Does the world hate God? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Scripture's multifaceted use of the word “world”Where see this doctrine in the BibleWhy the world's opposition to God should not be the cause of hopelessness among His peopleHow this doctrine relates to... The post The World, the *World,* and the Gospel [Ep. 272] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How concerned should we be about false teachers? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The background of Jude's epistleWhat we should make of Jude's use of 1 Enoch in his epistleHow false teachers creep into the churchHow it's possible to be correct in doctrine and... The post How We Contend for the Faith [Ep. 271] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Can guilt or shame lead to any kind of good? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the relationship between guilt and shameHow our fallen nature can lead to a distortion our understanding of what is sinful and what isn'tResponding to... The post Guilt, Shame, and the Gospel [Ep. 270] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why should we obey God at all? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The background of 1 John 2 and John's unique writing styleSome of the different ways “world” is understood in this passageWhy we need to understand the importance of obedience to Christ while... The post Love through Obedience [Ep. 269] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What's the difference between sin and temptation? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the relationship between sin and temptationWhy it's important to see these as related but not equivalentThe difference between internal and external temptationHow this doctrine relates to the... The post Temptation, Sin, and Our Hope in Jesus [Ep. 268] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is there a difference between acceptance and accommodation? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The background of why Paul wrote PhilemonHow to understand the discussion of slavery in the context of this messageWhy we need to recognize the difference between acceptance and accommodationHow this passage... The post Acceptance, Accommodation, and the Gospel [Ep. 267] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Can we choose not to sin? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals our enslavement to sinWhy we have to be careful in how we understand this enslavementHow this doctrine and our moral responsibility work togetherHow this doctrine relates to the... The post Enslaved to What We Love [Ep. 266] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is it ever right to say, “I told you so?” That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The overall purpose of the narrative of Acts 7Why we need to be careful about reading in tone to the narrative passages of ScriptureHow God's promises were a source... The post Confidence in the Midst of Hopelessness [Ep. 265] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why are we so selfish? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the connection between selfishness and sinThe difference between being wholly and ultimately selfishHumility as a response to selfishness (and the origin of an oft-quoted saying about what humility is)How... The post Sin, the Gospel, and Why We're So Selfish [Ep. 264] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is there ever a time to not share the gospel? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The intent of the narrative of Acts 24-26Why it's important to be aware of the length time that passes over the course of chapters in the BibleHow we should... The post Preaching to Those Who Don't Want to Hear [Ep. 263] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How can anyone be born when he is old? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the nature of regeneration and how people already living can be born againWhy it's okay to be confused by this doctrineWhy some debates around the... The post What it Means to Be Born Again [Ep. 262] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Can imitation be a good thing? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The call to be imitators in Philippians 3Whether or not this passage genuinely serves as a call to use saltier languageWhy Paul would consider all his former achievements as worthlessHow this passage points... The post The Goal of Imitation and a Model of Repentance [Ep. 261] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is it enough to be sorry? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the nature of and the continuing need for repentanceWhy this doctrine represents more than a one-time-only actionHow this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in... The post Being Sorry vs Being Repentant [Ep. 260] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How dead is dead? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why Ephesians 2 is such good news for us allWhat it means to be “dead in sins and trespasses”How we should understand God's gift as described in verses 8 and 9How this passage points us... The post God's Gift to Dead People [Ep. 259] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Are we the best we will ever be? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture shows us the end goal of our sanctification: glorificationWhy we need to embrace the truth that we will never achieve glorification in our life on earth (unless... The post Someday You'll Really Be Your Best [Ep. 258] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Should we take advantage of the benefits of our earthly citizenships? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Paul's wisdom in pitting the Pharisees and Sadducees against one anotherWhy it's not wrong to use the benefits our earthly citizenships offerHow Paul's situation before the Sanhedrin parallels... The post Wisdom Exemplified in Opposition [Ep. 257] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How did Christ's death affect humanity's relationship with God? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes Jesus' death as reconciling us to GodWhy we need to recognize that this reconciliation is not automaticThe forensic and practical senses of reconciliationHow this doctrine... The post The Source & Foundation of Reconciliation with God [Ep. 256] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Should we use Jesus' name as a lucky charm? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why it's important to ask people—both professing believers and non-Christians alike—questions about faithHow this passage points us to the gospel and encourages us as disciple makers Listen now on Apple... The post Jesus, Spiritual Warfare, and Lucky Charms [Ep. 255] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why did Jesus die on the cross? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes Jesus' death on the cross as a propitiation, or atoning sacrifice, for our sinsThe ways that we should (and should not) understand this truthWhy Jesus' death should... The post God's Wrath, Satisfied [Ep. 254] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Do we need to worry about the Day of the Lord? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why the Day of the Lord factors so significantly into 1 ThessaloniansWhat we can learn about Christian beliefs based on the dating of this letterHow sensationalism has hurt... The post The Good News About the Day of the Lord [Ep. 253] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is Hell real? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture speaks of the nature of hell and the purpose of eternal judgmentWhy we need to embrace the reality of hell, despite the discomfort it causes usHow this doctrine relates to the gospel... The post Hell, Judgment, and the Gospel [Ep. 252] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Is the Law bad? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Paul's offense at the Galatians abandoning of the gospel in Galatians 3What the purpose of the Law isWhy we should not use Paul's harshness about false teaching as license to do likewiseHow this passage points... The post The Purpose of the Law and Defending the Gospel [Ep. 251] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What do we know about Christ's return? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture speaks of the return of ChristThe different views on the second coming and meaning of the millenniumHow this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in... The post What We Can (and Can't) Know About the Second Coming [Ep. 250] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Should we engage the culture (and if so, how)? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How we see Paul use Greek philosophy and culture to proclaim the gospel in Acts 17What the public religious practices of the people of Athens revealWhat it means to be... The post The Value of Being Culturally Conversant [Ep. 249] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Does God really live within His people? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes God's people as the temple of the Holy SpiritThe importance of the indwelling of the Holy SpiritThe difference between the Spirit's presence with people in the Old... The post God's Spirit Dwelling with (and within) God's People [Ep. 248] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How do we handle theological disagreement? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How the conversion of Gentiles began to concern Jewish Christians in the early days of the churchThe significance the unity of of Paul, Peter, and James in the debate over whether or not... The post Handling Disagreement and Uniting in the Essentials [Ep. 247] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How united should the church be? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes the church as Christ's bodyHow this extended metaphor should affect how we see the ways we serve in our churchesWhy leaders in the church matter and their role... The post One Body, United in Love and Purpose [Ep. 246] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How do we guard the gospel? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why Paul wrote concerning these matters in 2 Timothy 1:1-2:13To whom the gospel is entrusted, both in the church and beyondWhy we need to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary matters of faith... The post Guarding the Gospel [Ep. 245] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Do we still need priests to intercede for us today? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture reveals the priesthood of the believerHow this doctrine changes our understanding of our relationship with other believersWhy we need to avoid seeing pastors as having... The post A Kingdom of Priests, not a Kingdom with Priests [Ep. 244] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How can the gospel be called foolishness? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The major concerns that motivated the writing of 1 CorinthiansThe danger of factions and division within the churchHow and why the gospel would be considered foolish by anyoneHow this passage points us... The post The Foolishness of the Gospel [Ep. 243] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How was Christ exalted? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture shows us the meaning and intention of edificationHow edification includes encouragement, but goes well beyond thatHow this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in the world Listen now... The post The Meaning and Purpose of Edification [Ep. 242] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why can we trust God in difficult situations? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The importance of prayer and fasting in commissioning missionaries If Paul's response to Elymas's rejection of the gospel—and his attempts to prevent others from believing it—was too harsh (and whether or... The post Confronting Opposition with Gospel Conviction [Ep. 241] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How was Christ exalted? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes Jesus' exaltationWhy we need to pay attention to this doctrine, especially in relationship with Jesus' humiliationHow this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in the world Listen... The post How God Exalted Jesus [Ep. 240] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why can we trust God in difficult situations? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Peter's peaceful approach to imprisonment in Acts 12Why he seemed to doubt his escapeIf people have guardian angels How this passage points us to the gospel and encourages us as disciple... The post Peter, Prison, and Trusting God [Ep. 239] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How did Christ humble Himself? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes Jesus' humiliationWhy we would use a word like “humiliation” in connection with Jesus at allWas Jesus forced to take on human form?How this doctrine relates to the gospel and... The post How Jesus Humbled Himself [Ep. 238] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why is Easter such good news? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Mary's encounter with Jesus at the empty tomb in John 20Reasons why Mary may not have been able to recognize Jesus until He said her nameHow this passage points us to the gospel... The post The Good News of Easter [Ep. 237] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

When will Jesus rule as perfect King? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes Jesus as the king of the Jews and as the king of all creationThe already/not yet aspect of Jesus' kingshipLiving as subjects of Jesus right nowHow this... The post Jesus and His Offices, Part 3: The King [Ep. 236] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What does it look like to demonstrate your faith? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: The meaning of faith according to the book of Hebrews and the examples it puts on displaySome of our stand out examples within the “hall of faith” (and why some... The post Faith Demonstrated [Ep. 235] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How did Jesus serve as a priest? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes the role of a priest and how Jesus fulfills itThe relationship between Jesus and MelchizedekHow this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in the... The post Jesus and His Offices, Part 2: The Priest [Ep. 234] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

How is Jesus better? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why the book of Hebrews is definitely near the top of the list of our top 66 books of the BibleWho might have written Hebrews (and why it's fun to speculate about who it might... The post Jesus is Better than Everything [Ep. 233] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What is the significance of Jesus being called the Word? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How Scripture describes the role and function of a prophetHow Jesus being called the Word connects to His fulfillment of the office of prophetJesus being not simply... The post Jesus and His Offices, Part 1: The Prophet [Ep. 232] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

What does it mean to be discerning? That's the question we're discussing on The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: Why are we talking about discernment and encouragement at the same time?What Barnabas shows us about both discernment and encouragement in his relationship with PaulWhy we need to be discerning in the... The post Encouragement and Discernment in Discipleship [Ep. 231] appeared first on The Gospel Project.

Why are we here? That's the question we're addressing on this episode of The Hero of the Story. Listen in as we discuss: How to understand discipleship from a holistic perspectiveWhat it does and does not mean to make disciples (and to be a disciple)How this doctrine relates to the gospel and how we live in... The post Discipleship & Our Purpose as Christ's People [Ep. 230] appeared first on The Gospel Project.