Theology Central

For 22 years, this hermeneutics classic sat behind my pulpit — and no one ever read it. In this episode, I unpack Bernard Ramm's Protestant Biblical Interpretation, explore its relevance, and challenge the doctrines of perspicuity and illumination in light of 2,000 years of theological confusion.

A look at the problem of hermeneutics in the church today and information about a hermeneutics course.

Justin Bieber's “Devotion” explores love, intimacy, and longing—but how does it compare to the devotion Christians are called to give God? In this episode, we unpack the lyrics and wrestle with the tension between spiritual fulfillment and human desire. Can both truly coexist?

We begin our exegetical study of Isaiah 44

What is the significance of God calling Israel, Jesurun In Isaiah 44:2

We look at how a sermon interpreted Hebrews 11:1 and why its so problematic

AI predicts what a revival sermon on Genesis 12:1-9 will teach

Solid Rock Baptist Church is asking for $4.9 million to build a new facility. I responded to their unsolicited fundraising email as a struggling disabled veteran—and was ignored. This episode challenges their theology, use of Scripture, and what this says about the modern church.

We take a trip back to the summer of 1984 and discuss the song, When Doves Cry

The IRS now says churches can endorse political candidates from the pulpit.In this episode, we break down what happened, why it matters, and how it threatens to replace Christ with political power at the center of the church.

In this brief update, I share some exciting news—SiriusXM has officially become the #1 platform where people are listening to Theology Central, making up over %50 of our total plays! I want to thank all of you who tune in through SiriusXM and reflect on what this milestone means for the podcast. Whether you're listening in your car, at home, or on the go—thank you for being part of this journey.

In this episode, we begin reviewing Part 2 of Discover the Word's series Seemingly Impossible Commands. Building on the Law/Gospel foundation laid in Part 1, we examine the claim that Jesus' commands become possible once we have faith. But does Scripture—or reality—support that? Or does this view undermine the radical impossibility of the Law and the finished work of Christ? The answers matter more than most realize.

We build an observational outline of Isaiah 44

Before reviewing Seemingly Impossible Commands, this episode lays the essential Law/Gospel foundation. Are Jesus' commands just hard—or truly impossible? Discover why our only hope isn't our obedience, but Christ's perfect righteousness credited to us.

Over twenty girls swept away in a Texas flood at a Christian camp. In this episode, we confront the deep tension between promises of divine protection and the brutal silence of tragedy. What does it mean to trust a God who intervenes—sometimes?

Abraham's servant swears an oath by placing his hand under Abraham's thigh—a strange moment with deep meaning. What's behind this ancient gesture, and what does it teach us about covenant and commitment today?

Two major financial burdens hit this week. In this episode, I talk honestly about stress, faith, and what Scripture really says—and doesn't say—about God's provision in times of financial crisis.

Jesus said, “I will build my church.” But what kind of church did He mean—visible or invisible, singular or scattered? This episode explores the deep implications of Matthew 16:18 and what it reveals about the fractured state of Christianity today.

Listening to sermons has left me discouraged, depressed, and done

We conclude our review of sermons on Isaiah 44

We continue our review of a sermon on Isaiah 44

We take some time to review a sermon on Isaiah 44

This episode explores the devotional-experiential hermeneutic—a system where personal experience shapes how Scripture is read. We examine its roots, how it misuses verses like Hebrews 4:12, and the consequences of letting emotion override biblical meaning.

A discussion about the song Beautiful Things by Benson Boone

A discussion about how free we are to make decisions

A discussion about the 2025 Sword Conference

I continue our discussion about how to train AI

Can you trust AI to help with theology, Bible study, or sermon prep? In this episode, we start with a scathing email that exposes AI's failures—and then dive deep into how to train AI to become a reliable tool rather than a dangerous liability. From setting standards to demanding accuracy, and from biblical interpretation to sermon critique, this episode equips you to use AI faithfully, wisely, and critically. Because the goal isn't to let AI speak for you—the goal is to train it to serve the truth.

Matthew 7:1–5 doesn't teach us how to judge—it shows us why we can't. In this episode, we explore how Jesus exposes our hypocrisy and leaves us convicted, not justified.

Get ready for Isaiah 44 with guided study assignments through chapters 40–44. Designed for individual or couple use, these exercises help you dig deep into God's character, Israel's condition, and the unfolding plan of redemption.

Bridget Bishop was the first to hang during the Salem witch trials. This episode tells the story of her trial, execution, and legacy—walking from courtroom to gallows, from stone memorial to dark streets. She wasn't a witch. But her death opened the door to a season of terror.

What does it really mean to be “possessed” by the Holy Spirit? If Christians are controlled by God, why do they still sin? In this episode, we review a sermon on Holy Spirit possession and examine its theological and logical flaws.

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful and paradoxical passages in all of Scripture — Paul's “Fool's Speech” from 2 Corinthians 11 and 12. What does it mean to boast in weakness? Why does Paul mock the very idea of spiritual superiority? And how does this speech dismantle everything we think we know about leadership, success, and Christian identity? Get ready for an uncomfortable but necessary confrontation with the gospel of weakness.

Catchy, fun, and full of ache. In this episode, we break down Role Model's “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”—a deceptively upbeat anthem of emotional uncertainty, fear of abandonment, and fleeting intimacy. We explore the tension between sound and substance, and ask what this song reveals about modern love, vulnerability, and spiritual thirst.

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

We dive into Sabrina Carpenter's “Manchild”—a sharp, honest anthem about emotional immaturity, modern relationships, and gender dynamics. What does this viral hit reveal about our culture, and how should the Church respond?

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

We conclude our 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.