Theology Central

In this series, we examine Replacement Theology—its history, key texts, and claims—and test them against the full witness of Scripture. We'll see why the Bible affirms one people of God in Christ without redefining "Israel" or erasing its future, and how passages like Galatians 3, Galatians 6:16, and Romans 11 should be read in context.

A deep dive into the Book of Wisdom—its history, place in the Septuagint, and why Protestants reject it while often relying on the Septuagint for key apologetic arguments. What does this reveal about our view of Scripture and the canon?

In this episode, we examine a sermon's opening illustration that compares the Holy Spirit to Noah's dove "looking for a place to rest." Is this poetic revival language—or a hermeneutical and theological mess? We break down the biblical context, the flawed imagery, and what it subtly teaches about the Spirit and revival.

A popular devotional uses Joshua 1:8 and the story of Horatio Spafford to define success. But what if the Scripture is misused, the history is incomplete, and the message is deeply flawed?

Today's biggest hits sound like worship songs—but they aren't. We explore why "secular praise music" is dominating culture, what it reveals about our search for meaning, and how it blurs the sacred and the romantic.

I conclude my work on a new interpretation of Hebrews 10:25-26

I continue my work on developing a new way to understand Hebrews 10:25

I continue my work on developing a new way to understand Hebrews 10:25

I continue the work of developing a new way to understand Hebrews 10:25

I begin the work of developing a new way to understand Hebrews 10:25

A review of another sermon on Isaiah 40

A discussion about how sermons get the book of Nehemiah wrong and a review of a sermon on Nehemiah.

We listen to a discussion about C.F.W. Walther's classic work The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel.

We check in with what others are saying about the song of the summer for 2025

We conclude our study of Isaiah 44

Who were Mary's parents? On the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, we explore the story behind the tradition, its apocryphal origins, and what it reveals about how unverified narratives can shape church belief and practice.

As the Salem witch trials spiral toward their end, two final accusations push the madness to its most disturbing point. A forgotten chapter you were never told.

I review a sermon on hermeneutics.

Was being spared from Vietnam really God's grace—while millions died? This episode confronts the tension between personal blessing and global suffering, and what our words say about the God we proclaim.

Are the traditional “spiritual qualifications” for interpreting Scripture actually helping us? In this episode, I offer a better list — grounded in method, not mysticism.

This episode explores what the trend reveals about our culture—and what it means for the church. It's not about attention span. It's about meaning, depth, and presence.

We continue our study of Isaiah 44

We continue our study of Isaiah 44

Seminaries teach hermeneutics — but do their preaching courses follow the same rules? In this episode, I explore the disconnect between biblical interpretation and sermon preparation, and ask: when does faithful exposition go off the rails — in the classroom, or the pulpit?

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.