John's Gospel places Jesus cleansing the Temple at the very beginning of His ministry. Matthew, Mark, and Luke place it at the very end. At first glance, this looks like an irreconcilable contradiction — but is it?

In this episode, I walk through the three most common solutions scholars have proposed: that one of the Gospel writers simply got it wrong, that John rearranged the event for theological reasons, or that Jesus actually cleansed the Temple on two separate occasions. 

I'll examine the chronological evidence, the key differences between John's account and the Synoptics, and the objections that have been raised and make the case that Jesus actually cleansed the temple twice — once at the beginning of His earthly ministry and once at the end.

You can read this article to follow along more closely on the website.

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Scripture never pretends that the living for Christ in a fallen world is easy. Rather than comparing the life of faith to a leisurely stroll or a summer picnic, the Bible compares it to toiling, to warfare, to running a race. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the author calls believers to run with endurance the race that is set before them, and gives us two essential keys to doing so: laying aside every weight and sin that slows us down, and fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ.

In this sermon on Hebrews 12:1-2, we look at what it means to lay aside not only the sins that so easily entangle us, but also the good things in life that can become unnecessary weight — the hobbies, habits, and distractions that sap our energy and keep us from pursuing Christ with everything we have. Running this race well requires honest self-examination, intentional community with other believers, and the willingness to hold loosely to anything that doesn't make us more fit for the race ahead.

But the heart of enduring faith is not discipline alone — it's keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and He now reigns at the right hand of the throne of God. Because He began this work in us and He will complete it, we can run with confidence. Whatever mile of the race you find yourself in today, the call is the same: look to Jesus.

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We all have a stack of books that we'd like to read but haven't gotten through yet. So how can we read more books, faster?

Thankfully, the answer isn't found in speed reading or in simply reading shorter books. Instead, these four simple tips will help you read more books in less time.

HELPFUL RESOURCES MENTIONED:
🗎 Book List Spreadsheet Template (Plus recommended books)
[You'll need to make a copy of the spreadsheet in order to edit it]

📖 The 5-Foot Bookshelf: 57 Books Every Christian Should Own:
https://reasonabletheology.org/bookshelf

🎧 Audio Book Options:

• Everand
• Audible (30 Days Free)

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• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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In this episode of the Reasonable Theology Podcast, I sit down with Brock Starnes, executive producer of The Wingfeather Saga, for a behind-the-scenes look at how Season 3 came together. We talk about the artistry, storytelling, and world-building that make Wingfeather so compelling, as well as the thoughtful way the team approaches faith, imagination, and truth in a fantasy setting.

Brock shares insights into the creative process, the collaboration behind the series, and what families can look forward to as the story continues to unfold. Whether you've followed Wingfeather and the Igiby family from the beginning or you're just passionate about high-quality Christian storytelling, this conversation offers a great window into why the series resonates with so many.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The creative vision and collaborative process behind The Wingfeather Saga
• How the team brings the world of Aerwiar to life visually and emotionally
• The balance of whimsy, danger, humor, and heart that defines the series
• The thoughtful integration of Christian themes within a fantasy story
• What makes Wingfeather stand out from other faith-driven media
• What viewers can look forward to in Season 3—and why now is a great time to start the series

📚 Purchase the Wingfeather Saga book set

▶️ Watch Season 3 of Wingfeather

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Many believers want to boldly defend their Christian beliefs, but lack the confidence to do so.

What if you could eliminate your anxiety, take control of intimidating conversations, and help others think more clearly about their views and the truth of Scripture? 

My guest Greg Koukl has the key: Asking good questions. 

In this replay episode, Greg shares how questions can help answer Christianity’s toughest challenges.

Koukl has hosted his call-in radio show Stand to Reason for over 30 years, has written many helpful books including Tactics: A Gameplan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.

His book Street Smarts picks up where Tactics left off, providing model questions and example conversations to effectively discuss your Christian beliefs, even on hot-button issues such as moral relativism, the authenticity of Scripture, the gospel, abortion, marriage, gender, and more.

Pick up a Copy: Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges 

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Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a central figure in the First Great Awakening and is often regarded as America’s greatest preacher and theologian. This episode explores his life, ministry, controversies, and lasting legacy.

From his early years in colonial New England to his role in the Great Awakening, we look at Edwards’ most influential sermons and writings, his dismissal from Northampton, his missionary work in Stockbridge, and his brief presidency at Princeton. Along the way, we consider both his enduring contributions to theology and the challenges he faced, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most important figures in American church history.

Top 5 Jonathan Edwards Biographies:

1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden

2. A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden

3. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray

4. The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan

5. Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God by Dane Ortlund

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• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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The world prizes wisdom, power, and wealth—yet Scripture warns us not to boast in these fleeting pursuits. In this sermon from Jeremiah 9:23–24, we are reminded that true satisfaction cannot be found in the things of this world. Instead, God calls us to set our hearts on knowing Him, the source of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.

We examine the ways worldly ambitions can subtly pull us away from Christ and how only a greater affection for God can free us from their grip. Through biblical teaching, practical reflection, and insights from voices like C.S. Lewis and Thomas Chalmers, this message encourages us to pursue eternal treasures rather than temporary gains.

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• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Dr. Matthew Barrett recently announced that he is leaving the Southern Baptist Convention and joining the Anglican tradition, citing his shift to paedobaptism as a major factor. In his announcement, he references Acts 2:39—“For the promise is for you and for your children…”—as part of the biblical basis for this change.

In this video, we take a closer look at that verse. Does Acts 2:39 actually support the practice of infant baptism? Is it a strong argument against believer’s baptism as held by Baptists?

Let's explore five key reasons why this verse does not teach paedobaptism—and why the broader context actually reinforces the Baptist view of baptism as a response of personal faith.

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In a world where Christianity is often portrayed by critics as a force for oppression and intolerance, my guest Mark David Hall offers a different perspective.

In this replay episode we discuss his book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans, which details how Christianity has played a significant role in advancing liberty and equality throughout the history of the United States.

We Talk About:
• How critical views such as those of the 1619 Project portray Christianity
• Ways in which the Puritans helped set the stage for representational government
• The role of Christians during the Revolutionary War era
• How Scripture was misused in our history to support the evils of slavery
• The impact of Christians on the abolitionist movement to end slavery
• How followers of Christ should view their role in the public square today

Listen as we discuss Christianity's important contributions to the founding and growth of the American Experiment

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Join me for an encouraging and practical conversation with Dr. Andy Naselli on the topic of sanctification—how Christians grow in holiness.

I recently had the opportunity to host this Q&A with Dr. Naselli at a conference hosted by Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks, ND. We had a previous conversation on episode 91 of the podcast, where we discussed his book 'How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers.'

Dr. Naselli serves as Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, and as lead pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, MN. He has authored around 25 books on theology and Christian living.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ The role of works in the Christian life
✅ How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility intersect
✅ Practical ways to pursue Christlikeness
✅ The role of theology in spiritual growth
✅ The importance of reading and cultivating a learning culture in churches

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• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
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• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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In Psalm 13, David cries out, “How long, O Lord?”—a question that echoes in the hearts of many who find themselves weighed down by sorrow, pain, and unanswered prayers. 

This sermon explores how Psalm 13 gives voice to real anguish while also pointing us to a hope that endures. If you're facing a long trial, feeling forgotten by God, or struggling to hold on, this reflection on lament, prayer, and trust will help you find comfort not in easy answers, but in the steadfast love of the Lord. 

Psalm 13 (ESV)

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

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