Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg talks about an argument atheist Michael Ruse made for people to be “moral” even though there are no grounds for being good, then he answers questions about Frank Turek’s claim that the Calvinist God is like Allah, and whether the continued existence of the Jews is evidence for God.   Topics: Commentary: Atheist Michael Ruse’s confused argument for morality (00:00) How would you respond to Frank Turek’s claim that if God regenerates people so that they can believe, but he doesn’t do that for everyone, then God is finite in his love and infinite in his justice, and that’s not the God of the Bible; it’s Allah. (26:00) Frank Turek’s comment about Calvinism seems philosophically wrong, but I need help with it. (29:00) Is there any merit to using the fact that the Jews are still around today as an apologetic? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  God Is Dead. Long Live Morality by Michael Ruse C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert – Film The Bible: Fast Forward – DVD (Also available as a digital download or audio)

Greg responds to the charge that God is a bad father, then he answers a question from a caller about why we have to go through sanctification when people who die shortly after salvation are immediately glorified.   Topics: Commentary: Is God a bad father? (00:00) Why do some people have to go through sanctification when others will die right after salvation and be immediately glorified? (28:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Related Links: Does God Love Everyone? by Jon Noyes

Greg argues for the A-theory of time, then he answers questions about whether God did something in the absence of time, how God can know what will happen in an A-theory of time, Greg’s take on church membership, and pastors using other people’s sermons.   Topics: Commentary: Arguments for the A-theory of time (00:00) Regarding your argument for the A-theory of time, didn’t God do something in the absence of time if he made the universe, and how can God know what will happen in an A-theory of time? (13:00) What is your take on church membership? (29:00) How do you view the practice of pastors using sermon series created by someone else? (44:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Greg explains a three-point response to the problem of evil, then he talks to callers about a strategic question to ask someone who doesn’t trust the Bible because he thinks anything touched by man has been tainted, and whether Acts 17:26–27 is a good proof text for Molinism.   Topics: Commentary: A three-point response to the problem of evil (00:00) What’s a strategic question to ask someone who doesn’t trust the Bible because he thinks anything touched by man has been tainted? (36:00) Is Acts 17:26–27 a good proof text for Molinism? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Related Links: How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall No “Lost” Books of the Bible by Greg Koukl

Greg answers questions about how to dive into controversial conversations in a sensible way, the proper way of doing missions, whether boxing can be enjoyed to the glory of God, the line between temptation and sin, and whether Luke 20:37–38 points to the B-theory of time.   Topics: When we hear friends discussing topics that touch on our faith, such as abortion, gender issues, or suffering, how do we dive into the conversation in a sensible way? (03:00) What is the proper way of doing missions? Is this something God intended for married couples with children to be doing? (11:00) Can boxing be enjoyed to the glory of God? (26:00) Where is the line between temptation and sin? (40:00) Isn’t Luke 20:37–38 a better justification for the B-theory of time rather than the A-theory? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Greg talks about the “continental divide” in worldviews, then he answers questions about a possible interpretation of Matthew 18:7–9, how to explain the sovereignty of God when a surgeon’s choice leads to someone’s death, and how a surgeon can find peace with that kind of responsibility.   Topics: Commentary: The continental divide in worldviews (00:00) What do you think about the idea that Matthew 18:7–9 is directed towards a community of believers rather than individuals, possibly even referring to wrong doctrine? (30:00) How do you explain the sovereignty of God in relation to the choices we make that have life-and-death consequences, such as when a girl dies on an operating table due to the actions of a surgeon, and how does a surgeon find hope and peace with that kind of responsibility? (41:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Greg on The Diary of a CEO

Greg explains that waiting is a normal part of the Christian life, then he answers questions about prophetic words, having a peace about prodigal family members, what makes marriage legitimate, attending baptisms at liberal churches, training for door-to-door evangelism, and a Trinity analogy.   Topics: Commentary: Waiting is a normal part of the Christian life. (00:00) Is it a biblical practice for someone to have a “prophetic word” for others and seem to know things they couldn’t know, or is this fortune-telling? (08:00) Is it wrong to have a peace about the fact that prodigal family members might not come back to the Lord? (24:00) Is marriage legitimate if it’s not done through the government, and what’s the biblical outline for what makes a marriage legitimate? (30:00) If we shouldn’t attend an LDS baptism because they believe in different core doctrines, couldn’t the same apply to some liberal churches? (39:00) Do you have any advice on training a group to do door-to-door evangelism? (45:00) What are your thoughts on using the analogy of Neapolitan ice cream for the Trinity? (52:00) Mentioned on the Show:  House of David series Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl A Simple Survey to Help Initiate Spiritual Conversations by Greg Koukl Related Links: Privatize Marriage? by Amy Hall (quoting Jennifer Roback Morse)

Greg talks about how House of David  and The Most Reluctant Convert bring elements of those historical accounts to light, then he answers questions about the consequences of not attending a same-sex wedding and applying passages with first-person pronouns to ourselves.   Topics: Commentary: Two historical films worth watching (00:00) If you don’t attend a couple’s same-sex wedding, why would they ever consider Christianity after what you did? (35:00) Why do we apply passages with first-person pronouns to ourselves (e.g., in Ephesians 1)? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  House of David series C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien (A Graphic Novel) by John Hendrix Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Related Links: Should You Accommodate an LGBT Person’s Requests? by Alan Shlemon Love Doesn’t Trump God’s Moral Commands by Amy Hall

Greg answers questions about how different our resurrected bodies will be, whether something is good so long as someone thinks it brings them closer to God, justification by allegiance alone, and the rationale for saying the human spirit doesn’t have a spatial location.   Topics: If we’re not going to marry in Heaven, doesn’t that suggest that our resurrected bodies will be very different than they are now? (02:00) Should something be considered good so long as someone perceives it as bringing them closer to God? (12:00) Have you heard of “justification by allegiance alone,” and what do you think of it? (30:00) What’s the biblical and philosophical rationale for saying the human spirit doesn’t have a spatial location? (43:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Darkest Hour – Film

Greg answers questions about an analogy to learning to hear God’s voice, taking communion after arguing with a Christian, the point of praying when God’s will is already set, apologetics curriculum for teens, and why one should pray in front of an abortion clinic instead of at home.   Topics: How would you respond to someone who says that a baby hears a bird but doesn’t know it’s a bird until he grows and learns that it’s a bird, and this is like learning to hear God’s voice? (01:00) Is it okay to take communion after arguing with a Christian? (22:00) What’s the point of praying for protection if it’s already God’s will whether we will be protected or not? (33:00) Can you recommend a discipleship and apologetics curriculum for teens along with a conference in our area to cap off our school year? (42:00) Why would we have to pray in front of the abortion clinic and not at home? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  When God Speaks by Greg Koukl STR U Online Training Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Red Pen Logic with Mr. B Related Links: Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl

Greg discusses IVF’s slippery slope, then he talks to callers about a strategy he could have used on Diary of a CEO, and how to know when to stay in a church to try to change what’s happening and when to leave.   Topics: Commentary: A legitimate slippery slope (00:00) How fruitful would the DOAC conversation have been if Greg had just said, “I’ve got the answer.” (26:00) When do you stay in a church to try to change what’s happening, and when is it time to leave? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  After-birth abortion: why should the baby live? by Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Greg on The Diary of a CEO Related Links: The Black Box of IVF by Alan Shlemon What You Might Not Know about IVF – Podcast episode by Alan Shlemon and Amy Hall The Tragic Consequences of the IVF Industry by Amy Hall How IVF Is Changing Our View of Human Beings by Amy Hall Embracing the Absurd by Amy Hall

Greg answers questions about responding to someone in ministry who’s avoiding controversial truths with the students, suggestions for witnessing to a brother after his stroke, whether God sees salvation as a single moment in time, a possible problem with the moral argument, and the flood.   Topics: What should I say to someone in ministry who is avoiding controversial truths with the students so that they’ll keep coming back? (00:00) Do you have suggestions for witnessing to my brother after his stroke? (14:00) Does God see salvation as a single moment in time or as the whole process of drawing, converting, and sanctifying? (27:00) If Christianity put in place our ideas of what is truly good and what is truly evil, then how can we make the case for God using the moral argument? (36:00) Do you think the story of Noah is historically true but the ark and the animals are allegorical? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl The Story of Why God Died and Came to Life Again by Greg Koukl The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again by Justin Brierley Noah’s Flood Revisited: New Depths of Insight from Science and Scripture by Hugh Ross Related Links: Love Doesn’t Trump God’s Moral Commands by Amy Hall What Does God’s Love Look Like? by Amy Hall Should You Accommodate an LGBT Person’s Requests? by Alan Shlemon Jesus Built Western Civilization by Amy Hall (quoting Tom Holland)

Greg describes two types of legalism, then he answers questions from callers about overcoming anxiety about addressing controversial topics in the church, and how to tell the difference between claiming a legitimate promise of God and the prosperity gospel.   Topics: Commentary: Two types of legalism (00:00) How can I overcome my anxiety about saying something controversial in the church? (31:00) Is there a way to tell the difference between claiming a legitimate promise of God and the prosperity gospel? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl The Story of Why God Died and Came to Life Again by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Related Links: Answering an Objection to Grace: Why Not Sin? by Amy Hall The Law Is Good by Amy Hall What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert How Can I Know Which Bible Promises Apply to Me? by Amy Hall Promises We Can’t Claim. Promises We Can. by Greg Koukl

Greg reflects on why our culture has difficulty with the idea that there can only be one true religion, then he answers questions about apologetics in the church, stories that make it sound like God does whisper to us, and the line between spiritual correction and spiritual abuse.   Topics: Commentary: One true reality (00:00) How can I introduce apologetics and biblical ethics into my church? (10:00) What do we do with stories that make it sound like God really did whisper to someone? (27:00) When does correcting people in a congregation turn into spiritual abuse? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show:  STR U Online Training – There’s a course on the idea that “truth is not ice cream” Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Francis Beckwith and Greg Koukl Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Related Links: One Way or Any Way? Part 1 by Greg Koukl One Way or Any Way? Part 2 by Greg Koukl

Greg talks about the “Intersectionality Wheel of Privilege” his daughter had to place herself on as part of a school assignment, then he answers a question about how we can be sure there’s only one true religion.   Topics: Commentary: The Intersectionality Wheel of Privilege (00:00) How can we be sure there’s only one true religion? (42:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Intersectionality Wheel of Privilege Greg on The Diary of a CEO

Greg highlights the distinction between descriptive and prescriptive passages in the Bible then answers questions about a pro-choice challenge, helping someone in memory care, baptismal regeneration, responding to “Love is my religion,” animal blessings, and Bible translations.   Topics: Commentary: Descriptive vs. prescriptive (00:00) If someone says that if you’re pro-life then you should be against capital punishment, then couldn’t I flip that around and say that if a pro-choicer says a woman has the authority over her body to kill her unborn child, then he should be fine with her killing herself? (10:00) What can I give a person in memory care to help them? (22:00) Is it a dealbreaker if a church you’re going to believes in baptismal regeneration, and is this salvation by works? (28:00) How would you respond to someone who said, “Love is my religion”? (36:00) What is up with animal blessings? (44:00) Is the New World Translation not called the “Holy Bible” because they changed too much in the text? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Related Links: Further Reading on Bible Translations by Daniel Wallace

Greg answers questions about beauty being “in the eye of the beholder,” what it looks like to follow the greatest commandment and how to teach it to students, and how to explain to a skeptic what we mean by “faith.”   Topics: How could biblical writers talk about certain women being beautiful if beauty is in the eye of the beholder? (03:00) What does following the greatest commandment—loving the Lord your God with all your heart—look like, what does it mean, and how should I teach it to students? (19:00) Can you help me explain to a skeptic what we mean by “faith”? (41:00) Related Links: You Don’t Have to Choose between the Head and the Heart – Greg Koukl discusses living “coram Deo.” Faith Is Not Wishing by Greg Koukl Faith Isn’t a Way of Knowing; It’s a Way of Trusting by Tim Barnett

Greg talks about fundamental differences between Latter-day Saint and Christian theology, explaining that we can’t both be Christian, then he talks to callers about whether being a winsome ambassador is irrelevant if God draws people, and attending a megachurch.   Topics: Commentary: We can’t both be Christian. (00:00) If the Father draws people, then is being a winsome ambassador irrelevant? (32:00) What are your thoughts on attending a megachurch? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference by Robert Millet Jesus, the Only Way: 100 Verses Related Links: Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall LDS View of Atonement Clarified by Amy Hall Is It Possible Some Mormons Are Saved? by Amy Hall “Mormons Aren’t Christians” Is Not an Epithet by Amy Hall

Greg talks to a caller about whether Colossians 1:15 implies that Jesus is part of creation since it says he is the “firstborn,” then he reflects on the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus.   Topics: Does the statement in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus is the firstborn of creation imply he’s part of creation? (13:00) Commentary: The first Christmas and the birth of Jesus (36:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Donate to Stand to Reason Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves The Nativity Story – Film Related Links: Was Jesus the First Created Being? by Tim Barnett Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl Six Reasons to Believe Jesus Is God – Red Pen Logic (Tim Barnett)

Greg talks to callers about whether all values and duties are inherently subjective, whether Paul is making the same point in Ephesians 2:7 and Romans 9:23, biblical justification for Christian Zionism, and how God can be good if he doesn’t save everyone he created.   Topics: How would you respond to the claim that values and duties are inherently subjective since concepts exist only in minds? (04:00) Is Paul making the same point in Ephesians 2:7 and Romans 9:23? (16:00) What is the biblical justification for Christian Zionism? (25:00) How can I make a compelling case for the character of God in answer to the question of why he doesn’t save everyone he’s created even though he’s capable of doing so? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Donate to Stand to Reason “Morality based on God is just another form of relativism.” – Part of November’s Solid Ground Conversations with an Atheist The Bible: Fast Forward – DVD (Also available as a digital download or audio) Related Links: Why Did God Create People if He Knew So Many Would Go to Hell? by Amy Hall