We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming because, whilst tending to his arduous studies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, Rob had the privilege of sitting down with Cameron Cole to talk about his new book with Crossway, Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy. We hope you enjoy this interview on Theology Simply Profound. Cameron Cole (MA, Wake Forest University) serves as director of youth ministries at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, and is the chairman of Rooted, a ministry dedicated to fostering gospel-centered student ministry.

On this episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion on the doctrine of the atonement with a focus on the atonement through the covenant. Jesus says, "...this is the new covenant in my blood...." We'll explore this statement and many more.

John Murray writes that the nature of union with Christ is both spiritual and mystical and that it is "the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation." If this is the case, how is it so? How does the atonement, the cross of Christ, relate to this "central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation"? Rob and Bob discuss these things and more on this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob once again discuss the doctrine of the atonement with emphasis upon the relationship between the atonement and adoption. What does adoption have to do with the atonement?

On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion about the doctrine of the atonement. Today we take a closer look at the concept of penal substitution. In doing so, we review some of the other theories of the atonement. But what does the Bible say about the nature of Christ's cross? What does it do? What is meant by penal substitution? Is it necessary? What biblical texts teach us about penal substitution?

This episode of Theology Simply Profound brings our reading of J. Gresham Machen's final three audio addresses to a close. This address, "The Bible and the Cross," would have aired on December 27, 1936. Machen would not finish this series of radio addresses on the atonement. Just five days later on January 1, 1937, he would succumb to pneumonia dying in the Lord.

And so, this series closes so abruptly as life seems to do so very often. With the words, "Isn't the Reformed faith grand?" and "So thankful for active obedience of Christ. No hope without it," Machen departed in peace.

This week’s Theology Simply Profound provides another reading from the works of J. Gresham Machen. Since we’ve begun a series on the Biblical teaching of the atonement, Bob is reading Machen’s, “The Active Obedience of Christ.” This was delivered on December 20, 1936 as part of a series of radio addresses given shortly before Machen’s death on January 1, 1937.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their new series of discussions on the doctrine of the atonement. In this episode we talk about the concept of redemption. What is redemption? What is the relationship between redemption and the wrath of God? What is the cost of redemption? How does redemption relate to the atonement?

With Rob nursing a cold, this week's Theology Simply Profound provides another reading from the works of J. Gresham Machen. Since we've begun a series on the Biblical teaching of the atonement, Bob is reading Machen's, "The Doctrine of the Atonement." This was from a series of radio addresses given shortly before Machen's death on January 1, 1937.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob begin a new series of discussions on the topic of the atonement. In this episode we talk about the wrath of God and mankind's need for an escape from the wrath of God in the first place. Why an atonement? Why is there a need for an atonement?

The Rev. Brian L. De Jong,  pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, joins Bob and Rob this week on Theology Simply Profound to discuss his new book, Honoring the Elderly: A Christian's Duty to Aging Parents. Mr. De Jong explains the importance of thinking through difficult and complex issues related to how Christian are to honor their aging parents.

This episode of Theology Simply Profound brings our discussion of the Book of Acts to a close. Paul is under house arrest welcoming all who come to him "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." We discuss Paul's arrival in Rome, his reception by the Jews, and his proclamation of the kingdom of God.

Our apologies for the poor audio quality for the first 10 minutes or so...a few technical difficulties.

On this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound, from Acts 28, Rob and Bob discuss everything from snake handling to saving faith...in reality, the discussion lands primarily on the nature of faith. How does saving faith differ from the belief that UFOs will one day arrive to wisp the faithful away to a better place? Hmm. Essentially, is the faith of a Christian the same kind of faith we find in a cult?

With Rob on assignment at the T4G conference, this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound provides a reading of J. Gresham Machen's essay, "The Responsibility of the Church in Our New Age." This remarkably relevant work originally appeared in Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science in 1933.

On this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound Rob and Bob explore the providence of God. Continuing to make our way through the Acts of the Apostles, we are at chapter 23-26 where Paul goes before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. In what way do we see God working through these various circumstances in the life of Paul in order to bring about the salvation of his people to the ends of the earth.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob had an opportunity to sit down with the Rev. Dr. Ryan M. McGraw to talk about John Owen and his major writings. Following this interview Rob and Bob take a few minutes to talk about their appreciation of Owen.

Dr. McGraw serves as Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary,  as well as a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He is the author of several books including The Foundation of Communion with God: The Trinitarian Piety of John Owen.

Ken Jones, pastor of Glendale Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, as well as a former regular guest on The White Horse Inn, joins Rob and Bob on this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound. Rob and Bob talk with Ken about evangelicalism and the contemporary church as The Rafiki Foundation. The mission of The Rafiki Foundation is to help Africans know God and raise their standard of living with excellence and integrity. One way it accomplishes this task is through the establishment of Classical Christian Schools.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, for the very first time we are able to bring you an interview. Rob had an opportunity to sit down with the Rev. Dr. L. Michael Morales to talk about his book, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus (IVP Academic). Dr. Morales is an ordained minister in the PCA serving as Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Following this interview Rob and Bob take a few minutes to discuss this book. Check out the links below to a few articles by Dr. Morales reflecting themes found in his book.

• Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? (Part 1)
• Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? (Part 2)
• Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? (Part 3)

 

On this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Acts 21:17-26 and the seemingly strange things Paul does while at Jerusalem. Why does he offer sacrifices? What's going on? And somehow we end up talking about whether Paul's actions here shows the church that we have the freedom to follow things like the liturgical calendar and practice such things like Lent in order to be enhance our spiritual walk.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the riot that place in Ephesus. From Acts 19, we see the conflict between this present evil age and the age which is to come. Among other things, we talk about whether the Christian is to try to make the same kind of impact on our cities as Paul and his company did in Ephesus. What should our posture be in this world and what should we expect from the world that we live within?

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss preaching in the context of Paul's ministry of the word when Eutychus fell asleep at the window, fell to ground dead, and was raised up to life again (Acts 20:7-12). Why is it that Paul would speak so long to these people? What is preaching? What is its purpose? We discuss these questions as well as many related and unrelated things, too!

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob take up the subject of exorcisms, yeah really! From Acts 19:11-20, we discuss everything from Jesus and Paul freeing people from demons to Star Wars and the new spirituality of this present evil (pagan) age that we live within. So, may a Christian be demon possessed? Should pastor be trained to perform exorcisms? Oh, and Rob really geeks out on Sci-Fi...so you're in for a treat!

On this week's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the topic of discipleship as it arises out of Acts 18. Should the church disciple? If so, how and in what way? What does God say about discipleship?

Today on Theology Simply Profound, we hear sermon preached at the evening service of Westminster OPC, December 24, 2017, reflecting on Simeon's reception of Jesus in Luke 2.

Today, on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob enjoy a mostly lighthearted discussion about Christmas, including favorite Christmas cartoons, the question: "When does the Christmas "mood" get started?", the commercialization of the Christmas season, and on a slightly less humorous note, whether angels really do sing. First, though, we take a moment to remember and reflect upon the ministry of R. C. Sproul. Merry Christmas.

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Paul's preaching in Athens and the role of philosophy or worldview in our various interactions with the world around us. Is philosophy useful? What about worldview? Is there any connection between these things and evangelism?

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the contrast between Paul's reception at Thessalonica and Berea. In Thessalonica, there was jealousy and hostility. In Berea, there was an examination of the Scriptures. How are we to receive the word of God preached to us through our pastors?

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Paul's missionary activities that draw he and his team from Asia Minor (modern Turkey) into Macedonia (modern Europe). Was Paul strategic in where he went? How did he know where and when to go? In what ways do his missionary activities guide us with ours? What happens when we become missional?

On Theology Simply Profound today, Rob and Bob discuss many and varied issues arising out of the dispute between Paul and Barnabas, which led to their separation, regarding bringing John Mark along on their journey to strengthen the churches of Asia Minor.

Rob and Bob discuss Acts 15 and the many implications the Jerusalem Council has upon the church's consideration of church government. Does the Bible teach any particular form of organization? Or, are we up to our own devices? 

On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to reflect upon the progress of the Gospel through the ministry of Barnabas and Paul in Asia-Minor. In Acts 14, we discuss the bold confidence in the gospel even as they face trial and tribulation.

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the progress of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit through the church in the persons of Barnabas and Saul from Acts 13.

Also, please accept our apologies for the poor quality of the sound on this episode.

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the amazing events of Acts 12 where angels strike for blessing and judgment. Enjoy this discussion of how God continues to move his Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, to the end of the earth.

Today on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob return to the subject of baptism by way of answering some of our listener questions. Enjoy this practical discussion about some of the ins and outs of dealing with different circumstances that leaders might need to think through.

In this episode, Rob and Bob discuss the commission of Barnabas to Antioch, the spread of the gospel, the addition of Saul to work in Antioch, and the relief sent to the congregations of Jerusalem for their aid in a time of need. All of this leads us to a discussion of what the Bible says about church government by elders.

Today, Rob and Bob talk about John 3:16 in the context of God's inclusion of the Gentiles into the New Covenant. Was this something that we hear about before the coming of Christ?

Today's episode includes a discussion of the dramatic and significant vision of Peter to "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Not only is this another turning point in the Book of Acts where the food laws of old put asunder, but the way for the inclusion of the gentile believer becomes clear.

Go to OPC.org for more information about Disaster Relief efforts in the Houston area.

In episode 86, Rob and Bob talk about what Paul and others have to say about the last days. Are they behind us or in front of us? Or, are we in them presently? And, in what way would the answer to those questions change our understanding of the Christian life?

Melodie McKenzie joins Rob and Bob in our discussion of Classical Christian Education.

Rob and Bob discuss a the basic history and shape of the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement of the past decade or so, depending on who you ask. And, somehow, we have this discussion in the context of Paul's early ministry!

 

Among other things, Rob and Bob discuss Saul in Acts 9.

Today, Rob and Bob discuss Acts 8 and the progress of the gospel into Samaria through Philip.

Reflecting on Acts 8:1-3, Rob and Bob discuss the scattering of the church after the death of Stephen.

Today, Rob and Bob with Melodie McKenzie, discuss Stephen's speech in Acts 7, which leads us into the muddy of waters of sermons, some questions about preaching, and some thoughts on listening to sermons. Thanks for listening. Enjoy.

Paul gave Timothy specific instructions to ordain elders and deacons as the leaders of the churches that they were planting.  The Deacons who we were first introduced in Acts 6 were to be dignified, honest, and faithful, not addicted to much wine, convinced of their faith and doctrine, mature in life and faith.  They are to be the husband of one wife managing their household well.  All that just so they can sweep the floor after a Sunday lunch.  What are all of the responsibilities of deacons?  Are they to be listened too or just the guys that take the offering every Sunday?  Are they to be respected in the office or is it just a stepping stone to eldership? 

In the early chapters of Acts, at the beginning of the New Covenant Church there was a joyous time where everyone shared all that they had will anyone else who was in need.  Just a few months later we have seen jealousy, lying, and deceit with Ananias and Sapphire. We have seen persecution escalating from the Jewish leadership and now we see factions among the people.  It doesn’t take long for our sin to get in the way of God’s goodness.  Was the solution to the problem with the widows the creation of a new office or was this a onetime occurrence?  Are we given a pattern to follow or can culture dictate how the structure of a church is formulated.

What do we do when the government tells us that we must turn in people who are of a certain ethnic group so that they might be killed? Do we adhere to scripture that tells us to be obedient to the governing authorities or do we adhere to scripture that tells us that we should not murder? Are we sinning regardless or can we choose. In the 1940's the Ten Boom family along with others help hide the Jews who were being hunted by the Nazi army for extinction. They lied, they stole and the disobeyed direct orders from their occupied government. This wasn't just in Holland, but many German Christians also hid Jews to protect them. Were they right or was this a lack of faith?