Theology Central is a podcast focused on making theology central to everything and challenging people to think. This is done via Bible studies, devotional messages, news commentary and sermons. New content is added on a daily basis.
The sermon grapples with the complexities of divorce and remarriage within a theological framework, questioning the consistency of church teachings and the application of biblical standards. Examining Matthew 5:31-32 and related scripture, the discussion highlights the ambiguity surrounding the 'exception clause' and the potential for ongoing adultery in remarriage, challenging the notion that the church consistently upholds its own moral teachings. Ultimately, the speaker argues that the sermon reveals the universal brokenness of humanity and points to the need for grace and reliance on Christ's perfect obedience as the only path to redemption, rather than attempting to navigate a flawed system of moral judgment.
The sermon explores themes of emotional impermanence and vulnerability through the lens of a popular song, examining the complexities of modern relationships and the search for connection in a fleeting world. It dissects the song's narrative of a chance encounter and the subsequent emotional fallout, highlighting the narrator's desperate plea for honesty and the cyclical nature of seeking solace in temporary encounters. The analysis suggests that the song captures a sense of loneliness and the fear of abandonment, resonating with the human experience of seeking meaning and connection amidst the transient nature of life, ultimately questioning the authenticity of relationships built on superficiality and the inevitable moment when the "wine runs out."
The sermon explores the complexities of divorce and remarriage through the lens of the Sermon on the Mount, challenging conventional interpretations and emphasizing the law-like nature of Jesus' teachings. It argues that Matthew 5:31-32, particularly the concept of "sexual immorality," demands careful scrutiny, suggesting that many within the church may unknowingly be living in adulterous relationships due to a misunderstanding of biblical standards. The preacher advocates for a return to a rigorous examination of scripture, urging listeners to confront their own failures and flee to Christ, rather than attempting to justify their actions through selective interpretations, ultimately calling for a church that embraces grace while upholding biblical fidelity.
The sermon explores the complexities of divorce and remarriage within a Christian context, challenging conventional interpretations of Jesus' teachings on marriage and adultery. Examining passages from Matthew 5 and 19 alongside Mark and Luke, the discussion questions the common understanding of an "exception clause" and the selective application of biblical standards, highlighting inconsistencies in how the church treats various sins. Ultimately, the message emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the need for grace, urging listeners to confront their own failures and seek redemption rather than engaging in judgmental practices, while acknowledging the difficulty of navigating these sensitive issues and the need for humility in interpreting scripture.
The sermon dissects Sabrina Carpenter's song "Manchild," framing it as a cultural document reflecting relational exhaustion and a critique of emotional immaturity, particularly within modern relationships. Rather than dismissing it as mere pop music or a display of man-hating, the analysis suggests the song exposes a recurring pattern of one-sided emotional labor and a longing for mutual respect and growth, prompting listeners to consider their own roles in perpetuating such dynamics and potentially offering a mirror to the church's own shortcomings in fostering mature and balanced relationships.
The sermon grapples with the tension between God's absolute power and the reality of human suffering and sin, particularly within the context of Isaiah 40-55. It challenges the notion that God's sovereignty necessitates the prevention of all evil, suggesting instead that God's character is revealed through the redemption of sinners despite their failings. The preacher questions conventional Christian interpretations, urging listeners to confront difficult theological questions about God's allowance of sin and to move beyond simplistic answers, ultimately advocating for a deeper engagement with scripture that acknowledges the complexities of faith and the mystery of God's plan.
The sermon grapples with the theological complexities of God's sovereignty and the existence of sin, challenging conventional church teachings that often soften these difficult truths. It explores the tension between God's creative power and the reality of human suffering, questioning simplistic explanations of grace and emphasizing the need for a more honest engagement with scripture. The speaker contends that God's allowance of sin, while mysterious, is not a reflection of weakness but a deliberate aspect of His plan, ultimately calling for a faith rooted in humility and a willingness to confront the unsettling nature of divine purpose rather than seeking easy comfort in theological evasion.
We conclude our look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast
We look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast
This episode explores Matthew 5:27–32, exposing how Jesus' words crush any illusion of internal purity or external righteousness. We challenge popular views on lust, showing it begins within—not outside us—and conclude with the only hope for sinners: the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Christian influencers promoting an athleisure line have ignited a firestorm of debate—are they being immodest, or is the backlash part of a deeper theological problem? In this episode, we tackle the controversy surrounding Girls Gone Bible, modesty culture, and whether women are unfairly held responsible for men's lust. We go deep into Scripture, examine what modesty really means, and ask: who's actually to blame when someone sins? A must-listen for anyone tired of shallow answers and ready for a biblical, honest conversation. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14788899/Christian-influencers-fire-evangelical-followers-promoting-immodest-athleisure-line.html
What does it mean to call Mary the Mother of the Church? Is the title biblical or purely traditional? In this episode, we explore the theological claims made in the Catholic Church's celebration of the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. We examine the scriptural basis, early Church writings, and the typological parallels with Eve and the Ark of the Covenant — and challenge Protestants who reject Marian theology while using the same interpretive methods for their own doctrines.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars imagine the end of the world—and all they want is to be together. In this episode, we unpack the lyrics of "Die with a Smile," exploring love, vulnerability, and why this emotional anthem resonates so deeply. Is it about conflict, surrender, or something more eternal?
Did Jesus and Peter use two different words for love in John 21—and does it actually matter? This episode exposes the myth, traces its origins, and shows why the Greek doesn't say what many claim it does.
Jesus prayed "that they may all be one"—but in a divided church, what does that really mean? In this episode, we examine John 17:20–26, explore who Jesus was praying for, and wrestle with the challenge of unity in light of today's church reality.
A review of the last few days of the lectionary readings
In this episode, I respond to Breakpoint's take on AI and loneliness, pushing back on their claim that the Church is the cure. Yes, AI relationships are artificial—but let's not pretend church communities always offer something better. I explore the real failures of Christian community, the limits of human connection, and why honesty—not idealism—is what we need.
We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:1-7 and we consider the church as a factory of false hope
We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:8-13
Before we break it down together, here's your assignment: listen to "What I Want" and interpret it for yourself. What are the characters really saying? Is this song about honesty, fear, desire—or emotional surrender? In this episode, I give you questions to guide your reflection and invite you to wrestle with what the lyrics reveal about love, pain, detachment, and longing. Come ready to listen—and to think theologically.
Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae's "What I Want" sounds like a casual hookup anthem—but listen closely and you'll hear something deeper: two people agreeing not to feel. In this episode, we analyze the song's emotional detachment, its theology of resigned desire, and what it reveals about a culture that craves connection but fears the cost. Is this honesty, or just another form of despair? And does the song offer even a flicker of hope? Let's find out.
In this episode, we explore how Acts 15 fulfills the promises and preparation of John's Farewell Discourse. The Eleven, equipped by Jesus, now act with unity, authority, and Spirit-led clarity. This isn't devotional theory—it's redemptive history unfolding.
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An assignment based on recent lectionary readings. Grab your bible, your notebook, and a pencil
Teddy Swims' "Lose Control" isn't just about heartbreak—it's a raw confession of fear, need, and the ache of being alone. In this episode, we explore the song's emotional core, the tension between needing God and needing others, and why Christianity often struggles to hold both together.
In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.
In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.
John 15:11 says Jesus gives us His joy—but what kind of joy was He talking about? In this episode, we explore the real meaning of this verse, why it wasn't meant as a blanket emotional promise, and how joy looks different when read through the lens of obedience, suffering, and apostolic mission.
Marjorie Taylor Greene clashed with Elon Musk's AI after it questioned her Christianity—but was the AI wrong? In this episode, we explore what happened, examine the theology of judgment and discernment, and ask: Can AI be more biblically accurate than some Christians?
Why does Psalm 57 have 12 verses in the Catholic Bible? We unpack the Septuagint, the numbering debate, and why the apostles sided with the Greek Old Testament—challenging modern assumptions about which Bible is "right."
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." But was He speaking to all believers—or only the Eleven? In this episode, we explore John 15:1–8 in its full context, showing how it was a direct, covenantal moment of apostolic commissioning. We trace how each part of the passage was fulfilled in the lives of the apostles—and why that changes everything about how we read it today.
Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" sounds like a confession—but is it? This episode unpacks the song's emotional and theological layers, revealing how blame, deflection, and false repentance shape modern relationships and distort true confession.
Fr. Mike Schmitz's $100 "Parables Tour" raises serious questions about the commercialization of ministry. Why is the Church charging for what Jesus gave freely? In this episode, I examine what this model says about the gospel, money, and the priorities of the modern Church.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you…" But if that promise was for all believers, why does it so often not match reality? In this episode, we explore whether the peace of John 14:27 was meant for every Christian—or only for the Eleven who heard it that night. A hard but necessary conversation about promise, context, and what we've misunderstood.
Alex Warren's "Ordinary" turns romance into religion—replacing God with the beloved. In this episode, we explore the song's spiritual imagery, its emotional honesty, and how it contrasts with the Gospel reading from John 13.
A discussion out the difficulty of interpreting John 14:21-26
Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers? Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure. This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.
Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers? Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure. This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.
Today we explore the deep Christology of John 14: "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." We connect this truth to Acts 13 and Psalm 98, showing how Christ reveals the Father, the Church carries that revelation, and salvation reaches the nations.
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Lectionary Challenge. In this kickoff episode, we explain what the challenge is, why we're using the Catholic lectionary, how to engage the readings each day, and what to expect from each episode. This isn't a devotional—it's a call to let Scripture shape you through submission, not selection. Let the journey begin.
What if "I go to prepare a place for you" doesn't mean heaven later—but the cross now? In today's episode, we explore John 14:2 in its true context and discover a more powerful comfort: access to the Father through Jesus' death and resurrection.
A cultural and theological deep dive into the top songs of Summer 2025. Each episode unpacks lyrics through biblical, liturgical, and spiritual lenses—revealing what today's music says about our hunger for meaning, transcendence, and worship.
Origin, History, Importance, Benefits, and Practical Use of the Lectionary
Protestant Catholicism Many Protestants claim to reject Rome, but have rebuilt its system—only now it's performance-based, fruit-obsessed, and self-policed. This episode exposes how evangelicalism has traded the pope for personal authority, and the sacraments for spiritual effort—while losing the Gospel in the
More than a gesture, the sign of the cross is a physical confession of faith—a creed traced on the body. In this episode, we explore the biblical roots, historical development, and deep Trinitarian theology behind the phrase "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." We confront misconceptions, reclaim its meaning, and learn what it means to be marked by the name—body, soul, and spirit.
We discuss the origin, history ,and influence of Lectio Divina
We conclude our discussion about the origin,history,and influence of Lectio Divina
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