This is the second episode in the Faith and Reason series, and John and Ron consider an ancient figure named Irenaeus. Irenaeus argued that Christian faith is far more reasonable than alternatives being offered by the Gnostics. Did you ever won

Resurrection: Essential to the Story

27 days ago 27m 48s

In celebration of Easter weekend, Orthodocs.faith takes a pause in the current series to return to a previous episode on resurrection. In this second episode from a series on First Corinthians 15, Ron and John discuss resurrection and why the h

Faith and Reason: Where We Start

Mar 15th, 2024 25m 38s

In this new series, Ron and John argue that Christian faith is reasonable. Christians have reasons for what they believe, and those reasons are defensible. Perhaps most surprising, they insist there is no virtue in a “blind leap of faith”!The

The Story of Ruth, part 4: Redeemed

Mar 1st, 2024 27m 54s

In this episode, John and Ron conclude their series on Ruth. The story is ultimately a story of redemption, a story where God provides hope where there was none before.The post The Story of Ruth, part 4: Redeemed appeared first on Orthodocs.fa

The Story of Ruth, part 3: Securing the Future

Feb 16th, 2024 26m 58s

In episode 3 of their series on Ruth, John and Ron discuss the famous—some would say infamous!—threshing floor scene. As always, though, the focus is on the original context. Naomi and Ruth still have pressing needs. How will God provide? Image

The Story of Ruth, part 2: Survival

Feb 2nd, 2024 24m 6s

Ron and John continue into chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth as the picture begins to change dramatically for the two main characters, Naomi and Ruth. God’s providential guidance emerges along with hope in God’s redemptive work.The post The Story

The Story of Ruth, part 1

Jan 19th, 2024 32m 1s

Season five opens with a new series on the book of Ruth. Ruth is a masterful example of Hebrew narrative and a favorite story of many. In this episode, John and Ron discuss the background of the book and work their way through chapter 1 and the

Gospel of John, pt 5: Conclusion

Jan 5th, 2024 18m 4s

John and Ron conclude their survey of the Gospel of John in this episode. They look closely at the remarkable opening chapter of the book.The post Gospel of John, pt 5: Conclusion appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.

Gospel of John, pt 4: Out of Division

Dec 22nd, 2023 30m 2s

In this episode, John and Ron work their way through John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. This fascinating mini-drama yields crucial clues to the context in which the Gospel was likely written.The post Gospel of John, pt 4: Out of Divis

Gospel of John, pt 3: Water into Wine

Dec 8th, 2023 23m 36s

John and Ron revisit an episode from a previous season where they address John 2, the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Why is that story so important? Why does the Gospel of John place it first among the miracles Jesus performs?The post

Gospel of John, pt 2: The Passion

Nov 24th, 2023 20m 41s

In this second episode on the Gospel of John, Ron and John survey the “march to the cross,” and they examine John’s unique emphases in the story of the crucifixion.The post Gospel of John, pt 2: The Passion appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.

Gospel of John, pt 1: Feeding the 5,000, John's Way

Nov 11th, 2023 25m 25s

John and Ron introduce a new series on the Gospel of John. In this first episode they examine how John tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. They compare it to the way Mark tells the same story, and they uncover several of the features th

The Problem of Evil, Part 1

Oct 27th, 2023 30m 20s

This week John and Ron are re-releasing an earlier episode. From season 2, it is the first episode of their four-part series on The Problem of Evil: why is there evil in a world created by a good God? Here, they lay the groundwork for a convers

Before the Throne, Part 3

Oct 13th, 2023 26m 54s

John and Ron conclude their series on throne room scenes throughout scripture. In this episode, they address the baffling book of Revelation, chapters 4-5. The author of Revelation sees himself in direct line with the prophets of the Old Testam

Before the Throne, Part 3

Oct 13th, 2023 26m 54s

Before the Throne, Part 2

Sep 29th, 2023 31m 1s

In this second episode of the series, John and Ron explore how the ancient Hebrews understood the heavenly court. They also examine encounters with the presence of God by Moses, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The post Before the Throne, Part 2 appeared

Before the Throne, Part 1

Sep 15th, 2023 28m 49s

John and Ron introduce their new series, Before the Throne. It starts with the awe-inspiring and terror-inducing pyrotechnics of Isaiah 6! Join them as they look into the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with the presence of God.The post Before the

The Strange Ending to Samuel's Story

Sep 1st, 2023 36m 53s

John and Ron conclude their series on the pivotal character of Samuel. In this episode, Saul falls and David rises, but Samuel’s story ends with a strange scene: a medium conjures his spirit for Saul at Endor.The post The Strange Ending to Sam

The Strange Ending to Samuel's Story

Sep 1st, 2023 36m 53s

Samuel the Kingmaker

Aug 18th, 2023 27m 27s

The nation of Israel demanded a king, and it fell to Israel’s prophet-judge and acting priest Samuel to fulfill their demand. In this episode John and Ron address the quandary Samuel faced and the way this pivotal character led the nation throu

Samuel: Prophet and Leader

Aug 4th, 2023 26m 12s

John and Ron move deeper into the story of Samuel. Now it becomes the story of two families, Samuel and his parents on one side, Eli and his sons on the other. In one of the most moving scenes of the entire cycle, the boy prophet Samuel hears d

Samuel: Born to Make a Difference

Jul 21st, 2023 27m 38s

Samuel’s story in the Old Testament begins with a birth narrative that highlights his importance in God’s redemptive work. In fact, he is a key figure in Israel’s transition to the monarchy that begins with Saul and David. His early story bears

Grace and Free Will: A Middle Way

Jul 7th, 2023 29m 46s

In this episode John and Ron conclude their series on grace and free will. Can modern Christians maintain original sin but stop short of predestination? Who has done this in the past, and how did they do it? How do modern Christian philosophers

Grace and Free Will: The Clash

Jun 23rd, 2023 28m 34s

We as humans are completely dependent on God’s grace to restore the relationship God always intended for us. At the same time, though, it’s clear humanity is called to make a decision to side with God and participate in the restored relationshi