Many of you have probably prayed the prayer of Paul: “Lord, please take this away from me.” Not just once, but many times. It can become exhausting, frustrating, and even lead to doubt. That’s why today’s podcast is so important. We need to talk about trials and God’s grace, and how the two go together. What promise do we actually have from God? We dive deep into the reality of His love for us, especially how it’s not transactional, even in the midst of our suffering. We hope this encourages you. And if you find it helpful, please share it with someone. It might give them strength and hope in their own season of suffering. 9 Marks Church Matters Journal Giveaway! JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

In this life, we’re offered all kinds of reasons and purposes to live. But when you try them, you often realize that, in the end, you’re still weak, still unsatisfied, and still not measuring up. Then comes the question: “What is the purpose of my life? Why am I even here?” That’s a really tough place to be. This episode connects closely to last week’s: “Jesus Knows You’re Tired.” So what now? Do we just give up? Is that the message of Christ? No. He gives us new hope, a new identity, and a new purpose. And it’s in our weakness that we find our greatest significance. That’s what today’s episode is all about. We hope it encourages you. LAST EPISODE: “JESUS KNOWS YOU’RE TIRED” JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Maybe you’ve heard the term arrival fallacy; the idea that once we reach a certain point in life, things will finally get easier. We can fall into the same mindset in the Christian life, believing that one day suffering will lessen, trials will be lighter, or the battle with sin won’t be as intense. Some even think that if we just get church and doctrine right, the problems will go away. But that’s not biblical. In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about the ongoing reality of weakness, struggle, and suffering in the Christian life. You’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and Christ is for you and with you. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

James 4 gives us an interesting warning: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about not giving the devil a foothold—don’t give him room in the congregation. What we want to talk about today is this: What does that actually look like, and what is Satan after in both of those contexts? We would argue that, throughout the New Testament, the writers are trying to protect something specific from Satan—and it’s vitally important that we understand what that is. Why? Because it’s directly connected to our spiritual health and life. These are real attacks from a real enemy. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Should we be brute-forcing sanctification? Are we relying on our own strength to produce holiness? The American church often places heavy emphasis on the growth of the Christian—living each day simply to behave better than the day before—instead of emphasizing trust and rest in the finished work of Christ. It becomes more about avoiding sin than clinging to Jesus. In today’s episode, Jon and Justin are joined by a panel of pastors from the recent Grace Reformed Network 2025 General Assembly conference. Together, we discuss key doctrinal failings within the broader American church and how the Holy Spirit truly brings about sanctification in us. GRN Website JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

In Reformed circles, we can be wary of the word experience—often for good reason. Emotional manipulation and manufactured moments have led many to question what’s truly spiritual. But Scripture is clear: God promises His supernatural presence in the gathering of His people. Church is an encounter with the living God—a true spiritual experience where our souls are fed and refreshed. In this episode, we explore how God meets us in real, tangible ways and why we should expect to walk away encouraged by Him. GRN Website JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Today, Justin and Jon want to cover two passages that often confuse or even hurt people. One is Jeremiah 29:11—about your future. You might be wondering how that verse applies to you, especially if everything is going horribly—or even if everything is going great and you're attributing it to that promise. We’re going to talk about that verse, and also Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Our goal is to help you read these passages properly—and more importantly, to see Christ in them and trust in His sufficiency. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

"Examine yourselves to determine whether or not you are in the faith." Have you ever heard those verses raised? We have here at Theocast—especially because of how we talk about Jesus, His sufficiency, and the reality that He has done everything necessary for us to have peace with God. People sincerely ask, “Brothers, what about the call to self-examination?” Jon and Justin are going to have that conversation today. Self-examination is good, but what we’re examining might be different than what you’ve been told. It’s not so much about what we do—it’s about what we believe and who we trust. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Throughout the years, Theocast has received all kinds of messages and emails. At times, you ask us to address certain topics, and while we can’t respond to everything, we do our best to select a few. This is one we wanted to talk about. We love our dear brother Costi, and in this sermon, he’s expressing a concern about Christian hypocrisy—people who claim to believe while showing no obedience. Jon and Justin want to reflect on this sermon, share our thoughts, and point out where there may be some law/gospel confusion. We also aim to interact with Costi’s concerns and offer some helpful insights from both Peter and Titus. Costi Hinn’s Sermon on Christian Hypocrisy JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Why are so many people leaving evangelicalism and turning to the Orthodox Church—or even to Rome? When you talk to them, you find that they’re longing for a sense of sacredness. They’re seeking a spiritual experience. They want to know that their faith is grounded in something outside of themselves. We have a lot to say about that. In this episode, we’ll explain how we got here—the state of the evangelical church—and why you don’t need to go to Rome or the Greek Orthodox Church to find the sacredness and supernatural power of the Christian faith. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Check out Part 1 of this discussion on Sola Media’s YouTube channel! On today’s special episode of Theocast, Jon and Justin are joined by Adriel Sanchez of Sola Media to continue a thoughtful conversation on the differences between baptizing believers only and baptizing infants. This isn’t a debate but a dialogue between three Reformed brothers who share a deep love for Christ and his church. We explore key theological distinctions in covenant theology, union with Christ, and the role of baptism as a sign and seal of God’s promises. The discussion touches on continuity between the covenants, the objectivity of the sacraments, and pastoral implications. Whether you're undecided or simply curious, this episode offers biblical reflection and gospel-centered clarity. All of it is rooted in humility, respect, and unity in Christ. Adriel’s Podcast: Core Christianity JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

New Calvinism, while it has some good aspects, has also caused a lot of problems for many people today. Jon and Justin are going to have a conversation about how historical Reformed theology differs from New Calvinism—a movement that has really taken shape and gained a lot of traction over the last few decades, particularly in America. There are good things about New Calvinism, which we discussed a few weeks ago. But there are also key differences—differences we believe are vital for the clarity of the gospel and for emphasizing Christ for us. So today, we're going to talk about those differences and give you some helpful categories. We hope this conversation brings clarity, and more than anything, we pray you are comforted in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has done everything necessary to save you. JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Today's episode is a special recording from the 1517 Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas. Jon and Justin are joined by Bob Hiller, senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, California, and a valued member of the 1517 family. In this episode, we explore the challenges of balancing grace and law, emphasizing that the Christian life is about receiving Christ's work rather than striving for perfection through self-effort. We discuss the freedom found in the gospel, encouraging each other to trust in Christ's completed work rather than relying on our own achievements for spiritual growth. CHECK OUT BOB HILLER JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Recently, a video clip from the Coram Deo Conference began circulating online, featuring John Piper making comments about falling away from the living God—and how that warning needs to be preached. The message that one can fall away must be clearly communicated, with no punches pulled. Theocast was brought into the online conversation surrounding this video, and we've received a number of questions about our thoughts on what Piper said. Today, we aim to charitably engage with John’s comments and express our concerns about his message. We hope this conversation brings clarity and answers some of your questions. Ultimately, as always, our desire is to point you to Jesus Christ and to help you see from the Scriptures that He truly is enough to save you—and that you don’t need to be afraid. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

Today’s episode is a special live podcast recording from our 2025 Law & Gospel Conference! Jon, Justin, and our special guest, Chad Bird, discuss their theological journeys that led them to understand the importance of the law and gospel distinction and what it means for the Christian. After the discussion, the guys hold a Q&A with the audience! CHECK OUT CHAD BIRD’S RESOURCES JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

As Christians, we often say we know God loves us and that Jesus died for our sins so we could be forgiven and accepted in Christ. But when asked how we think God really feels about us, we tend to get uncomfortable. If we're honest, many of us quietly wonder if God truly delights in us or if His grace was more of a reluctant necessity. Maybe He saved us, but does He actually enjoy us? Today, Jon and Justin are joined by Dan Cruver, author of Love Indeed, to talk about the deep, assuring love of God. Our hope is to encourage one another—and you—with the truth of how deeply God loves sinners like us. DAN’S BOOK: LOVE INDEED JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

New Calvinism: The Young, Restless, and Reformed Movement. This has been a significant movement—a major groundswell—in recent decades within the American and Western Church. What’s good about it? What’s maybe not so good? That’s the conversation Jon and Justin are going to have today from our typical confessional and Reformed perspective. There is much to celebrate, but there are also aspects where we might say, "Maybe not the best." JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

If I asked you, "What is the glory of God?" how would you answer? The glory of God is a central focus in the evangelical church, and rightly so. It is a wonderful reality that must be understood biblically to avoid misrepresenting His character. God is glorified in creation, in executing justice, and above all, in saving His people. He has always loved us, bound His heart to us, and takes the greatest joy in our redemption. Jon and Justin will discuss how separating God's glory from Jesus and the gospel can be dangerous, as it risks misrepresenting His character. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

If you're like us and were raised in the church, you probably chuckled when you first learned that the Israelites carried around small idols in the desert—almost like little good luck charms. They had the power of God on their side, the One who split the sea, provided them with food, led them by a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. Yet, they still clung to these idols. How foolish those Israelites must have been, right? But that’s not quite how the story goes. Idolatry and idol worship may seem like an Old Testament issue, but they haven’t disappeared. The powers behind them are still at work today. That’s exactly what Justin and Jon want to discuss. We need to have a proper understanding of idolatry and recognize that it remains a real danger in our lives. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK

If I had to pick one person from the entire Bible and give him the title of "righteous" based on his actions, it wouldn’t be Lot. I’m sorry, but what that man did is not the definition of righteousness. Yet, that’s often how we think about godliness—righteousness as a comparison of who obeys the law. "I didn’t do these things; therefore, I’m righteous. You did those things; therefore, you’re unrighteous." But that’s not the definition used in the books of Hebrews and 2 Peter. They present a different perspective. In today’s podcast, Justin and Jon discuss why Peter refers to Noah and Lot as righteous—and what that really means. JUSTIN’S BOOK: MORE THAN FORGIVEN JOIN THE THEOCAST COMMUNITY! FREE EBOOK PARTNER WITH THEOCAST OUR WEBSITE YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM X (TWITTER) FACEBOOK