In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if there is a benevolent being?”
Category: Feature Talks
Can we earn heaven? Matthew 7:21 unsettles me, please explain
In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I’m also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you explain?”
Understanding Baptism
This podcast and blog explains the meaning of the sacrament of baptism. It also explains who we baptize and provides a rationale.
The Shepherd’s Voice – a Bible reading and prayer
John 10:7-11 read by Ben Ruttan, and my opening prayer in worship based on the same text: The Good Shepherd and abundant life.
“Lead us not into temptation.” Would God lead us into temptation, so that we need to ask him not to?
In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about temptation from the Lord’s Prayer.
Can you explain the difference between a secular worldview and a biblical worldview?
In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about secular vs. biblical worldviews.
The difference between self-comfort and self-care and why it matters
If you think you’re caring for yourself when you’re really just comforting yourself, you may be creating more grief than gain. This episode is the audio version of an article I wrote with therapist Sarah Joy Covey for The Toronto Star.
Assisted Suicide (MAiD) in Canada—some biblical considerations
In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about assisted suicide and the quickly changing landscape in Canada.
Can we really trust that Jesus said and did all that, or have the Gospels been distorted?
Do the Gospels accurately preserve what Jesus said and did? Haven’t they become distorted? How can we know with any confidence? This podcast (audio and text) gives you 5 important points to consider.
How can I make rest happen when I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel?
How can I make rest happen when I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel? I was asked this at a Q & A forum. Here’s my response.
The Christmas Story Re-Examined
What if you’ve never truly heard the story you’ve heard a hundred times? In this episode (and post) I go in-depth with Luke 2:1-20 and explore these ancient towns, the threat of scandal, political contexts, shadowy shepherds, and the meaning of a Saviour, Messiah and Lord.
What did Jesus mean when he said to store up treasures in heaven?
If we’re not supposed to store up “treasures on earth,” what does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven” (while we’re still on earth)? This episode and post looks to Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount for some answers.
Can you lose your salvation?
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster’s Q & A Forum: Can you lose your salvation?
Reading and understanding the Bible when you’re by yourself
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it is another. Study groups and sermons can help. But what about when you’re by yourself and feel confused? In this episode I share 5 principles that will help.
We know who God is, but what is God?
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster Church’s Q & A Forum: “We know who God is, but WHAT is God?”
Is the world getting more argumentative? (and how to respond)
In this podcast episode, I respond to a question at Westminster Church’s Q & A Forum: “Is the world getting more argumentative? Thoughts from a biblical perspective?”
Fasting: Powerful, passed-over, and counter-cultural
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast, I discuss the much-neglected (but powerful) practice of fasting. Our society is more into self-indulgence than self-control. But Jesus assumed his disciples would do it. So here is some background and help.
Should we say ‘If it’s your will’ when praying for someone to recover from illness?
When praying for someone to recover from illness, some people say, “If it’s your will.” Why? And isn’t that always his will? That’s was a question from a Q & A Forum that I answer here.
How to grow wiser—with thanks to J.I. Packer
Wisdom. What is it? How do we get it? With help from theologian J.I. Packer, this podcast shares 3 insights. Information can fill the head; but wisdom can fill the heart.
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