What Christians Should Know

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal invites you to consider Lot, Abraham's nephew. Lot lived with his daughters in the ancient city of Sodom, a place well known for its godlessness and immorality. Lot was not immune to his environment; the pagan society in which he lived impacted him negatively. Hence, when we consider Lot, we are in essence embarking on a path of self-reflection where you begin to consider how the world in which you live impacts how you think and what you do.As you meditate on Lot's example, ask yourself, “How does the story of Lot speak to me today? How does the nation, culture, city, town, or village in which I live persuade me to think and act like society at large? How am I like Lot?”

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will answer two listener questions. First, Philomena asks, “Why are human beings not satisfied?” Second, Thomas asks, “These days I am talking to an atheist about God. How can I convince him about the existence and meaning of God?”Anyone can write-in a question via our email address (info@wcsk.org). Listen to the podcast to get guidelines on how to improve your chances of getting a response.

The question Dr. Sadaphal will answer in this episode is, "What does the apostle Paul mean when he writes that 'all Israel will be saved'?”Is he implying that all ethnic descendants of Abraham­­ (past, present, and future) will become born again? Is he indicating that at some point in the future, there will be a national conversion of Israel? Or, is the apostle referring to something entirely different with his statement about all Israel being saved?Get clarity and meaningful answers about what the New Testament means when it speaks of the, "Israel of God."

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will use the story of Abram in Genesis 12 to provide biblical support for the claim that faith never has all the answers. Truly, what is not meant by that statement is that faith is blind, uninformed, or unreasonable, or that faith has reason to doubt. Biblical faith is always certain about God, His Word, and His trustworthiness. After all, faith is real and legitimate because of its object, Christ, who is eternal and does not change. Faith is, however, seldom certain about all things. Never having all the answers does not mean that you are in some way deficient or intellectually impaired; rather, it means you are humble enough to know that you are not God, and thus, you will never have all the answers.The believer ought to find comfort that even Abram, the father of the faithful, did not have all the answers. He did not know where was being led but trusted the One who was leading.

With all the crises happening in our time, I believe it is becoming more and more apparent to many in the secular world that a godless worldview is progressively revealing itself as bankrupt. What I mean by that is, I think individuals all over the globe are seeing signs of the world self-destructing all around them, but the world offers no concrete solutions other than the march toward chaos. I think many across the globe are beginning to see that when their hope is built on something here and now, their foundation is shifting sand.So, what does any of this have to do with the Scriptures? Simple: There is no progress without God.Our Scripture focus will be Genesis 11:1-9.

God's patience flows outward from His mercy. Thus, because is merciful, He tempers His wrath with restraint so that many will come to repentance. The Lord is patient because He is powerful; it is only the weak who cannot control themselves and allow their rage to boil over.

What is a firearm? It is a type of weapon, like a pistol or a rifle, from which a bullet is fired by means of gunpowder. Is it biblical for a Christian to own or use firearms? In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will answer this question.

If God isn't in charge of your salvation, then who is?That is to say, if someone were to believe that God is not sovereign in salvation, then that means God is not God. By implication that means you are in charge of your salvation, since you are the one who is in ultimate control of your eternal destiny.In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will provide a brief explanation of the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Specifically, he will exposit the Scriptures to explain that God is sovereign in salvation. Finally, he will take the idea than man is sovereign in salvation and then take that argument all the way to its natural conclusion: that idea does not lead to freedom or hope but only utter ruin and despair.

When I say “alien,” what most people tend conjure up in their heads are images of Martians, little green men or odd-looking, super-intelligent beings from another planet. Yes, aliens are far more of a cultural phenomenon than a major biblical talking point, but in this podcast Dr. Sadaphal will provide answers to two questions: One, what does the Bible have to say about aliens? Two, are they real, secular hocus-pocus, or does the Bible suggest that so-called extraterrestrials are something far more sinister than non-humans from other planets?

This episode was prompted by a listener question. Stephen actually asked three interrelated questions. The first was, “In Luke 8:12, Jesus describes a type of person who hears the Word and then the devil snatches it away so that they do not believe and are not saved. The implication seems to be that if the devil did not snatch it away, the person would believe and be saved. How do we make sense of this category of person given total depravity?” Question number two was, “An extension of this question would be: why does the devil need to do any work to prevent a person from believing, if the human heart is already predisposed against the truth?” And question number three was, “If this category of person is part of the elect, why does God allow the devil to prevent their salvation?” In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal answers all three questions. He also explains who Jesus is, what a parable is and some general principles of proper Bible interpretation.

This present spiritual war isn't new in that the struggle began in the Garden of Eden by means of a weaponized lie. Satan's plan, of course, was to persuade Adam and Eve to believe his lie so that they would stop trusting God. His plan worked, and his strategy has remained unchanged since the Garden: to provide a deceptive alternative to God's truth so that people can believe in something else in place of God. Hence, there has been a conspiracy against God's truth since the beginning of time. In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will expose three specific, modern manifestations of this conspiracy so that the people of God will be forewarned and thus forearmed. These three specific manifestations are State soteriology (or the government will save you), climate change and the digitization of life. The Scripture focus will be II Corinthians 10:3-6.

We live in an age of increasing anxiety, uncertainty and doubt. This means people are more receptive to believing in conspiracy theories because—at least superficially—said explanation provides the comfort of some mental security in an uncertain world. And, if a person can explain why bad things are happening, it outwardly gives them some sense of control over the uncontrollable.  Consequently, the question Dr. Sadaphal will answer in this episode is: How does a student of God's Word navigate a world seemingly overflowing with so-called conspiracies and conspiracy theories? That is, at times we are bombarded with so much information, it is becoming more difficult to arrive at a reasonable conclusion. One person's truth is another's conspiracy theory and one person's firmly-held belief is regarded by another as based on faulty information. So, what is child of God to do? The answer is go straight to God's Word.

Faith becomes unbelief whenever a disastrous theological error occurs: when the doctrine of justification (how a person is saved) is confused with the doctrine of sanctification (how an already saved person matures). We are not justified by faith alone and then become more like Christ by our works; that is Roman Catholicism, not biblical Christianity. Confusion of these two doctrines can lead sincere Christians down a road of despair and doubt; it also turns the pure gospel into an anti-gospel of works.Accordingly, in this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will discuss salvation, sanctification, the difference between the two and the dangers of getting them confused. He also exposits Romans 6 in order to discern God's way of becoming more like Christ.

The question of the eternal destiny of unborn children presents us with a profound theological challenge: Do all unborn children go to heaven? In this episode Dr. Sadaphal will guide you through the Scriptures to demonstrate one way of arriving at a reasoned conclusion to the question through biblical reflection. The true value of this exercise arises not from the passive reception of an answer but from witnessing one approach of "searching the Scriptures" through which you can develop sound biblical answers to all your tough questions. Our Scripture focus will II Samuel 12:16-23.

Christ, understanding the myriad challenges and concerns we might face—be it health, finances, or our general safety and security—offers guidance for combating anxiety in the Sermon on the Mount. What Jesus makes clear is that the root of the problem is not worry; rather, it is unbelief. Therefore, the legitimate cure for anxiety is a spiritual matter of faith.In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal performs an exposition of Matthew 6:25-34 and provides three practical applications on how you can apply the Scriptures in pursuit of a Holy-Spirit mediated, worry-free life.

In this special episode, Dr. Sadaphal shares three biblical observations on the current crisis in the Middle East.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a famous parable. Said parable tends to be best known by the name, “The Prodigal Son.” Yet, what is evident is that the central character of the story is the not the son who returns, but rather the father who lovingly demonstrates unmerited favor to both of his sons. Accordingly, in the episode, Dr. Sadaphal will extract theological lessons and practical applications from the parable of the “Loving Father.” This wonderful story highlights divine love, forgiveness and joy over the lost who are found. 

In Exodus, Moses understood that in order to be a shepherd to the Hebrews and stand before a holy God, he would need a special outpouring of grace. Moses will then go on to ask the Lord, “Please, show me Your glory!” (Exodus 33:18). What happens next is telling. Moses says, “Show me your glory” and how does God respond? He says something. Hence, we see God with our ears.Consequently, in this episode, learn three specific ways that God reveals His glory through His Word.

Giving thanks or thanksgiving has power because it is a self-denying grace; it sets the mind and heart of the creature on the kindness of the Creator. Consequently, for the one whose lips are dripping with thanks, his heart will be filled with blessings. Accordingly, in this episode, Dr. Sadaphal seeks to stir your soul to thankfulness by bringing three observations from Scripture to your attention. These observations testify to the power of thanks.

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal recalls the events leading up to the conversion of his father-in-law, who was born again in the last few weeks of his life. Dr. Sadaphal subsequently mines wisdom from the experience of the death of a loved in order to provide five penetrating life lessons. Truly, the living take death to heart for the end of all people increases our receptivity to God while muting all those other things that don't ultimately matter. Our Scripture focus will be Ecclesiastes 7:1-2.

One of the basic foundations of human behavior is the ability to discern between right and wrong, between good and evil. Without this fundamental distinction, society would degenerate into chaos. So, in this episode, we will answer a few questions: What is morality? What must be true for morality to be meaningful now? What is the origin of morality: is it transcendent, or the product of human culture? And finally, do right and wrong tell us anything about either the existence or non-existence of God?Website: http://truthfinder.org/Subscribe: https://blubrry.com/truthfinder/

John 3:16 is important because it communicates God's disposition toward the world. Having a true biblical understanding of God's heart towards sinners is not just a therapeutic exercise that soothes guilty feelings or imparts false hope. Rather, a true biblical understanding of God's disposition toward sinners is the Christian's only hope in the midst of their spiritual weariness and burdens.

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal challenges Christians to think about their relationship to modern technology because in his view, the technologies that we use are quickly becoming an ecosystem that we can't escape. Consequently, he equips listeners with the biblical foundation necessary to answer the following question: Can I find a life of faith within a world of amplified human possibility?In addition, Dr. Sadaphal will also help you to construct a basic biblical worldview of AI so that whatever path the future takes, you will be equipped with guiding principles. Finally, he explains the secular worldview behind transhumanism and the implications of this ideology for the person who seeks to think and act biblically.

This is a replay (November 2018) of one of the most downloaded episodes in the 8-year history of the WCSK podcast. This "short" answers a specific question based on a brief Bible passage. In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal asks, "If the gospel tells the story of the 'good news' then how does the story end?" What is the ultimate conclusion of our Christian experience? What is the point of everything? Our Scripture focus will come from Romans 5:6-11.

Likely, right now there are a few things consume your attention. There are likely a few things that you are concerned about, that cause you to worry or that burden your soul. These things—or thing—may reign over you to the point where it seems really, really big and everything else in your life relatively seems really, really small. Let me then ask you a question: is the thing that holds the deed to your heart God? Because what the Word of God tells us is that God is of first importance.In this episode, be illuminated by the biblical reality that God is of first importance. Gain insight into the pleasure and contentment of holiness. Learn that when God is of secondary importance, all that results for the Christian is a lack of joy and a fruitless, miserable life.

Two thousand years ago, an angel preached a sermon of "good news of great joy" to unsuspecting shepherds. In that sermon, he communicated who the Prince of Peace is, why He was born, what He came to do, and why the birth of the Messiah was the day when true heavenly joy was born. The good news of great joy that our Deliverer has arrived and shall live forever. Once God became a Man, the Lord will forever be united with him.

 Is there a sin that is so heinous and egregious that the one who commits it is not and shall never be forgiven? The Bible speaks of only one such sin, called the unforgiveable sin. The matter is clearly an important one for the Lord saw it necessary to mention it three times in the New Testament: in Matthew 12:22-32, Mark 3:28-30, and Luke 12:8-10. In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will explain what the unforgiveable sin is and what it is not. The great hope for any Christian is that if you are worried if you have committed it, you can be certain you are not guilty of it. Our Scripture focus will be Matthew 12:22–32.

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal equips Christians to think and act biblically when is comes to living amidst the tension of two kingdoms: of God and of the world. Specifically, he uses Dr. Sam Waldron's book, Political Revolution in the Reformed Tradition, as a foundation and guide to develop answers to five critical questions:(1)  What is the specific sphere of the State's authority?(2) How does the Christian respond when the State exceeds its lawful jurisdiction?(3) How should the Christian think about the State: positively, negatively or neutral?(4) How should the Church engage the State?(5) In the United States, does Romans 13 guide us on how to vote?Gain crucial perspectives for both the Church and the individual Christian as they navigate through the perplexing ethical and societal questions that have recently emerged that have put Christ and compliance in opposition. Get Political Revolution: https://amzn.to/3T94J1Z

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal equips Christians to think and act biblically when is comes to living amidst the tension of two kingdoms: of God and of the world. Specifically, he uses Dr. Sam Waldron's book, Political Revolution in the Reformed Tradition, as a foundation and guide to develop answers to five critical questions:(1) Where does the government come from?(2) What is a civil authority called to do?(3) Does the Bible support or prohibit political revolution?(4) What is the relationship between subordination to civil magistrates and obedience to the same authorities?(5) Does Romans 13 call us to obey the government blindly in all situations?Gain crucial perspectives for both the Church and the individual Christian as they navigate through the perplexing ethical and societal questions that have recently emerged that have put Christ and compliance in opposition. Get Political Revolution: https://amzn.to/3T94J1Z

The Christian is saved by faith and then lives by faith, which is distinguished from the life of sight. Of course, the life of “sight” is not limited to literal eyesight but refers to what is natural and earthly. Sight is a gift the Lord has provided to all human beings regardless of their election. Sight is not therefore to be rejected, but a man of faith understands that his decisive trust is not in an earthly gift. By contrast, natural men are content to live a life of sight without God. They live like practical atheists and ultimately trust what they think, experience, sense or feel. Indeed, they may have faith, but that faith is in something natural: their sight. In contrast, the Christian lives by his faith in Christ.In this episode, learn three practical applications of what it means to live by faith in distinction to living by sight.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and one of the many gifts that the Holy Spirit graces to us through sanctification. So how does a Christian improve their joy? Well, because joy is a fruit of the Spirit, the source of joy is God. No one can fake joy or produce it by themselves.  Still, Colossians 1:11–12 tells us something interesting: that joy has specific ingredients. Yes, joy is a fruit, but the tree that produces the fruit of joy takes root in particular soil. That soil has two crucial ingredients: perseverance and patience. So you can't have joy without its crucial ingredients. In this episode get a clear biblical understanding what joy is, how God cultivates it, and how faith is the instrument by which God strengthens us with joy.

John Owen once wrote, "Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." So, every true Christian will be killing sin. But how? How does a Christian kill sin according to the Scriptures? These are the questions Dr. Sadaphal will provide answers for in this episode. The hope for any child of God is that after Yahweh saves a person, He does not leave them alone. He stays with them and perseveres them until the end. Some of the wonderful treasures the Lord has provided for your sanctification are the promises of God. The Holy Spirit works through the divine promises and cooperatively enables and empowers you to mortify sin. Hence, a crucial key to a believer's sanctification are the promises of God. The power of the promises are made manifest when a Christian trusts the promise-Maker, God, who has sent the Holy Spirit who work in and on us to fulfill those promises, making us more like Jesus.Our Scripture focus will be II Peter 1:4.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel are two historical monarchs who appear in the narratives of the Old Testament. Ahab is best known for his failure to lead and his open endorsement of idolatry. Jezebel is best known for her bad behavior unbecoming of a queen, so much so that calling a woman a “Jezebel” is equivalent to using profanity in Christian circles. Now, why is it important for us to study Bible characters who have been dead for thousands of years? Because the spirits of Ahab and Jezebel are alive and well today whenever we see power acting with an arrogant, presumptuous security in which in which it treads beneath its feet all divine and human rights. In this episode gain a biblical understanding of these two spirits and how this wisdom applies to your everyday life in the family, in the world, and in the church.

The serpent tempted our first parents (Adam and Eve) by nudging them to doubt the love of God. Satan overthrow all of humankind in Adam, and he continues to try and overthrow you one by one. What is one way to resist? Do not doubt the love of God. No one loves humanity like the Lord, and no one will care for His children like our Heavenly Father. God is good, gracious, tender, kind and loving to His children.

This episode offers encouragement for the weary Christian: always remember the beautiful, magnificent and eternal love of God. Allow your mind to be saturated with the memories of the kind, good works that God has continually wrought for His people. Allow your heart to be warmed by the hopeful truth that all human history will culminate in the triumph of the Lamb and that all those for whom He died will reign with Him in an unshakeable, eternal kingdom. In that kingdom, we won't forget the tears we shed in the past. Instead, the elect will experience such a weight of glory that all our former troubles will feel like a feather in comparison (II Corinthians 4:17). Those who mourn will be comforted, because it is God Himself who will wipe away all the tears from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). Never forget the beautiful love of God, because all those whom loves, He will love forever and His love is unchanging forever. This heart-warming realization has three practical applications for our everyday lives.

Now, in the spring of 2022, the world is a very different place compared to where it was before the worldwide outbreak of a novel virus two years ago. For many individuals the way they think about public health, personal health, sickness and personal hygiene has radically changed. The question now becomes, is that change in thinking a good thing or a bad thing? Is that change in thinking closer in line with God's truth or farther away from divine principles? Good medicine follows God's prescriptions, so learn how to think and act biblically when it comes to taking responsibility for your health and the well-being of those whom you love.

The Reformation axiom, "Scripture interprets scripture" speaks to the idea that when interpreting the Bible, we allow God to speak for Himself by using His own words. This is a faithful approach that enables the Christian to rightly handle the Word of Truth. If Scripture does not interpret scripture, then something else will: for example, personal desire, a political ideology or ignorance. This is an unfaithful approach that emboldens the wicked to pervert the Word of the Truth.How then can a Bible student be faithful and discern what God is trying to say in His Word? By sticking close to three basic principles of Bible interpretation. In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal will discuss all three.

Scripture teaches us that God never wastes pain. Meaning, the Lord always uses the pain of trials and adversity to accomplish His purposes. And what are His purposes? His glory and our good. Yes, pain hurts, but only a gracious God who is in complete control of all things can bring out a transcendent good from pain, hurt and sorrow. We therefore do not rejoice because it hurts; instead we rejoice over what God is going to do with that hurt.Our Scripture focus will be James 1:2-4.

In this special Christmas edition of WCSK, you will hear a sermon from Dr. Sadaphal preached in December 2018. In this message, learn what Christmas is really about. Our Scripture focus will be from Luke 1:26-33. There, the angel Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will conceive a baby boy in her womb. The angel also makes five prophecies about baby Jesus that look into His life, His public ministry and to the end of time. Jesus is the Son of the Most High then, now and forever.

In this special Christmas edition of WCSK, you will hear a sermon from Dr. Sadaphal preached in December 2017 titled, "The Day Joy Was Born." Christmas is a time where many things are celebrated, but the real meaning of Christmas is bigger than trees, gifts or any natural festivities. In this sermon, learn who the Prince of Peace is, why He was born, what He came to do, and why the birth of the Messiah was the day when true heavenly joy was born. Our Scripture Focus will be Luke 2:8-14

In today's episode we define and unpack the biblical doctrine of providence, or the fact that God provides for His creation. Our launching point for this discussion comes from the Old Testament book of Esther where the Lord orchestrates a marvelous deliverance for His people despite the threat of their extermination. The power of providence is that a proper understanding of this doctrine solidifies hope, strengthens perseverance and opens the Christian's eyes to God's perfect timing and all-sufficient provision in fulfilling His plans. Specifically, the Book of Esther illuminates three points about the power of providence: one, that in His providence, God places His agents in suitable situations for doing His work. Two, in His providence, God restrains His enemies so that His work is accomplished. Three, in His providence, the Lord tests His people.

In this episode, Dr. Sadaphal continues to provide listeners with a biblical framework on how to think about innate human freedom.Here, he develops biblical answers to the questions: What happens when one person's freedom to choose comes in conflict with another person's conscience? What is the amicable solution? In particular, he applies the answers to these questions to the issue of individual autonomy and vaccination. That is, cognizant that all people have bodily autonomy and freedom to choose, what is the loving thing to do when my choice bothers the conscience of my neighbor? If given the option to vaccinate, would it be loving to sacrifice my medical freedom for the sake of my neighbor? How can a person who declines vaccination (against anything) respond to being called irresponsible, selfish, foolish and a threat to others? Are those who decline arrogantly and brazenly exercising their “freedom” at the expense of those around them? And, if my free choice conflicts with the will of an organization or the State, does that entity have a right to impose a vaccine mandate? This episode provides clarity and meaningful answers to these questions.

This episode makes a theological argument for the inherent freedom of all human beings: this includes, but is not limited to, freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of choice.A proper biblical understanding of human freedom is necessary cognizant of many sweeping changes in our world where people have lost (or are losing) their ability to think critically with the full breadth of information, to speak out in dissent or to make their own uncoerced life choices. Dr. Sadaphal provides clarity for believers who need a biblical framework to understand how God made people to live and how that plays out in the midst of living under a godless secular authority that forces people to live how it wants.What is at stake is more than (for example) freedom to refuse a vaccine or to congregate as a church; what is at stake is everything: an attempted de-Christianization of the West and the rise of Satanic totalitarianism. What is not exceptional is that authorities are trying to grab more power by force. What is exceptional is that people have forgotten who they are (free and image bearers of God) and have persistently adapted and normalized to a reality in which power simply is; these same people cannot imagine alternatives.The Word Against the World (Nick Sabato, for Apple devices): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons/id730637211?i=1000530669058Other devices: https://www.ns-bc.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-01/the-word-against-the-world-2-timothy-314-17

Repentance is not behavior change because biblically speaking, repentance is a change of mind. What you do results from what you think and therefore repentance affects not the symptom (works) but the disease (thinking). Of course, all Christians are not called to delight in sin but to pursue holiness. A proper understanding of repentance is crucial for Christians to have because if they equate repentance to "performance" they will suffer from a joyless life crushed by undue burden of guilt, shame, misery and despair. It is not man who atones for his own sin; only Christ's sacrifice at Calvary is sufficient to do that. Our Scripture focus will be Mark 1:15.

In this practical "how-to" episode, Dr. Sadaphal explains how you can use a religious exemption to opt-out of COVID-19 vaccine mandates at your job or school. He provides three lines of biblical reasoning that may help to support an individual's decision not to consent. Links mentioned in the show: Religious Exception Letter Handbook: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16b5I7XKmu2j79WuX16tu4D46-uUaRC_5 Attorney Peggy Hall's FAQ: https://awakenny.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/b3d07-q26aaboutvaccinesandexemptions.pdf Patricia Finn: http://www.patriciafinnattorney.com/

The Judaism of the modern world is a religion separate and distinct from the Judaism of the ancient world, pre-Christ.  The former is an idolatrous faith that rejects Jesus while the latter anticipated the coming Messiah. The former is based on the traditions of men, the latter was based on the Word of God. Accordingly, in this episode, Dr. Sadaphal provides three reasons why modern Judaism is not biblical Judaism. Being aware of such distinctions will equip you with the clarity needed to cultivate a discerning, biblical worldview. Our Scripture focus will be John 5:45. Get Jewish History Jewish Religion by Israel Sharak: https://amzn.to/3tdYxbV

In this special episode of WCSK, Dr. Sadaphal provides an update to the episode that originally aired on December 15th, 2020. Here, he analyzes new information on the COVID vaccines that have accumulated over the past 2-3 months. He still cautions listeners who are thinking of getting any of the vaccines because the so-called prevention may be more dangerous than the disease. Be informed so that you can make a wise decision. You may refer to the written version of this episode in order to view and read the original article plus the update and all of the references: http://what-christians-should-know.org/why-not-to-get-the-covid-vaccine/

Many people today are afraid. They hear messages of fear and are encouraged to fear those around them. This fear is irrational because it is not grounded in reality and trumps faith in the Lord. Fear has even birthed a new faith: the cult of COVID, complete with its own code of morality and signals of virtue. With all this to consider, this begs the question: what does the Bible teach us on how the Christian is called to "fear not" and act Christ-like in an environment that is Christ-less? This episode provides clarity and meaningful answers. Our Scripture focus will be Matthew 10:28-31 and I John 4:18. Written version (with citations): http://what-christians-should-know.org/how-to-fear-not-love

Since God is good, then how can He allow evil to exist? Since God is sovereign, is it inescapable to conclude that the ultimate cause of evil rests in the Lord? "If God, why evil?" is one the the most difficult questions to wrestle with. Yet, God's Word provides clarity and meaningful answers. Our Scripture focus will be Isaiah 45:7.

Part I searched for a biblical answer to, "When is it permissible for the Christian to disobey civil authorities?" Part II explores why Christians may come to different conclusions as to when (or if) it is biblically permissible for the Christian to act contra Caesar or against the State. The possible answers to this inquiry are numerous, but one response is that many Christians may uncritically obey Caesar because their idea of secular authority comes from the world, not the Bible. Subsequently, this episode searches the Scriptures to develop a biblical perspective on what authority looks like and how it ideally operates in reality. This examination is necessary cognizant that in the West, we are facing the rise of "soft totalitarianism" or a godless form of total State control that seeks to root out the Christian faith under the guise of helping and healing. Our Scripture focus will be Romans 13:1-7. As mentioned in this episode: Live Not by Lies (2020) by Rod Dreher and Live Not by Lies (1974) by Alexandr Solzhenitsyn.

WCSK has launched a new biblical counseling ministry called WiseWord that helps people who need help making tough decisions. WiseWord  helps you answer questions like, "How do I find my calling?" So, if you found the general content in this episode helpful, consider how much more valuable having specific and customized and advice would be. To get trustworthy biblical counsel when you don't know what to do, speak with a WiseWord biblical counselor: wiseword.bible Use promo code wcsk2020 through the end of December to secure a special discount.