The Universe Next Door
The Universe Next Door is a program of Apologetics Inc. that seeks to answer your questions on the meaning of life, worldview, and the existence of God.
Is Jesus' God's First and Greatest Created Being?
Is Jesus a created being, or is He indeed truly God and truly man? Join us as we dissect the scriptural affirmations of Christ's deity, focusing on pivotal terms like "image of the invisible God" and "firstborn over all creation." We aim to clear the confusion surrounding these terms, firmly establishing Jesus's unique position as the Creator of everything.
As always, we welcome your inquiries and thoughts at: information@apologetics.org
The Unforgivable Sin, What Angels Look Like, and OT Prophecy (Q&A)
Join us for the final part of our series where we respond to intriguing questions posed by young adults. In this episode, we explore theological puzzles such as the nature of the unforgivable sin, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the perplexing question of what angels actually look like. We also discuss whether Jesus explicitly claimed to be God and the complexities surrounding the idea of greater and lesser sins.Â
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Check Out These Episodes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-thought-provoking-questions-from-young-adults-part-2/id1464590061?i=1000699694969
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-thought-provoking-questions-from-young-adults-pt-1/id...
What Are the Implications and Consequences of AI? | Alycia Wood and Emily Marasco
Special guests Alycia Wood and Emily Marasco from Apologetics Inc. join to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence and its ethical implications. In this episode, they discuss whether AI is inherently unethical and delve into the creative process behind the technology. Is there a larger purpose behind AI? Also, what is "AI Jesus"?Â
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The New Pyramid Discovery is Crazier Than You Think (Plus Mr. Beast Suspicion)
Welcome to Couch Talk Conspiracies on The Universe Next Door. This episode dives into the groundbreaking discovery of massive structures beneath the pyramids of Giza, challenging the long-held beliefs about the pyramids being tombs for Pharaohs built 4500 years ago. The sonar technology has suggested the existence of spiraling structures, possibly extending miles underground, raising questions about the pyramids' true purpose. As experts prepare to release more detailed findings, this revelation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of human history and ancient civilizations. Join us as we explore the potential implications and controversies surrounding this extraordinary discovery.
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40 Thought-Provoking Questions from Young Adults (Part 2)
In this installment, we explore the intriguing notion of undiscovered letters to biblical churches and the nature of the Gospels as ancient biographies. We also tackle the challenging concept of the unforgivable sin and how it relates to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we engage in the age-old debate of salvation through faith alone versus faith accompanied by works, with insights from both James 2 and Romans 3.Â
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Part 1:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-thought-provoking-questions-from-young-adults-pt-1/id1464590061?i=1000698783821
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Mike Licona Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-the-bible-inerrant-and-can-it-be-trusted-mike-licona/id1...
40 Thought-Provoking Questions from Young Adults (Pt. 1)
Today we begin tackling 40 intriguing questions posed by young adults from a Bible study group. As we venture into this three-part exploration, we delve into topics ranging from the nature of exorcisms and the beliefs surrounding guardian angels to the critical role of prayer and communion in different Christian traditions. Join us in this engaging discussion aimed at equipping listeners with wisdom and understanding to navigate our own discussions and beliefs about Christ and Scripture.
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Related Episodes:
Sola Scriptura vs the Catholic View
The Divine Council and the Significance of 70
Why Is Christianity Shrinking?
Why do statistics tell us that the Church in America is getting smaller? In this episode, we explore the state of Christianity in the United States, analyzing the shifts in religious affiliations both inside and outside the church. We examine recent surveys and statistics, from pre-COVID times to today, to understand the cultural and theological dynamics influencing Christianity.
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Send your questions and arguments to information@apologetics.org
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Check Out:
The Four Stages of Ideological Subversion (Sovereign Nations)
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Articles Referenced: Bear in Mind that even Surveys are...
The Misunderstood Purpose of Sacrifices
If the Old Testament sacrificial system was effective, why would we need Jesus? This discussion is rooted in a closer examination Hebrews 10, as we unravel the true purpose of sacrifices and their limitations, but also the true intention of the sacrificial system.Â
We also examine the Day of Atonement as described in Leviticus 16, examining its role in cleansing sacred space rather than forgiving sins. Discover how the ultimate sacrifice on the cross by Jesus Christ fulfills what the blood of bulls and goats could never achieve.
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Sola Scriptura: Debating Scripture's Authority
Join us as we delve into the concept of Sola Scriptura, examining the Protestant and Catholic perspectives on biblical authority. Join us as we analyze a video from Catholic Answers and discuss the significance of Scripture alone versus Scripture plus church authority. We aim to simplify these complex arguments, starting from the basics and building our understanding from there. Don't miss an engaging and insightful discussion that is crucial for both Protestants and Catholics.
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Video used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6FcqnZ6MW0&t=13s
Watch Yourselves: A Warning Against Coming Dangers in the Church
As political landscapes shift, we navigate the implications of transitioning from a 'woke left' to a 'woke right' movement, examining the ideological threats posed to Christianity both inside and outside the church. What should we look for? How should we respond? How do we maintain a posture of worship in light of so many distractions and duties? Are you equipped to understand crucial cultural issues and stand firm against these threats?
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Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
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Related Episodes:
Christian Nationalism Exposed in Hoax:
https://podcasts.ap...
Unveiling the Truth About Hell, Mary, and Greek Orthodoxy
In this episode of The Universe Next Door, join us as we tackle some thought-provoking questions from our listeners. From the divine role of Mary and the nature of hell to the traditions and beliefs of the Greek Orthodox Church, we delve deep into significant theological discussions.
Discover insights on why salvation is ultimately found through faith in Jesus Christ and explore the complexities of eternal conscious torment versus annihilationism. We also touch upon the historical roots of Christianity and how to engage with church history to deepen your understanding of faith.
Send your questions...
Was the Deity of Jesus a Later Invention? (Refuting Dr. Bart Ehrman Pt. 2)
In this episode of The Universe Next Door, we continue our in-depth exploration of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Jesus' divine claims in response to Bart Ehrman's assertion that Jesus never claims to be God in this book. Join us as we delve into chapters 9-16, highlighting how Jesus consistently presents himself as divine through prophecies, parables, and direct statements.
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
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Part 1:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/did-jesus-claim-to-be-god-in-the-book-of-mark/id1464590061?i=1000679935739
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The Transfiguration:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po...
What Is Truth? | Matthew Mittelberg
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
How do we define truth? Is there a difference between determining what truth is and how to know it? Are there any good reasons to believe that objective truth exists? Why does it seem as though our current culture is in a "truth crisis"? Nick Shalna interviews Matthew Mittelberg (Speaker and Apologist for Apologetics Inc) on what truth is and why it matters.
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
Check Out Matthew's Awesome Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewVMitt/videos
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The Most Convincing Case for When Jesus Was Born (And it isn’t December)
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While the New Testament does not give an explicit date or any date at all for the birth of Jesus, does it offer clues and insights as to when His birthdate may have been? Is the Christmas holiday really based on pagan myths and legends such as Saturnalia? Is it possible that scholars have been misled by a mistake Josephus made regarding the timing of the reign of Herod?
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Sources:
*The Steinmann article referenced is not in the Public domain so it can’t be posted. However, you...
Did Jesus Claim to be God in the Book of Mark? (Refuting Dr. Bart Ehrman Pt. 1)
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Bart Ehrman famously proclaimed that Jesus never claimed to be God in the Gospel of Mark and that this was a later invention by the church. Is he correct? Did Jesus see Himself as only a prophet? Nick Shalna provides an example from every chapter of Mark where Jesus makes an undeniable claim to Deity.
Related Episodes:
What You Don't Know About the Transfiguration:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15027918-what-you-don-t-know-about-the-transfiguration-are-you-sure-you-know-pt-4
Are We Required to Keep the Sabbath?
https://theuniversenextdoor...
Christian Nationalism Exposed in Communist Hoax
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In this episode of the Universe Next Door, Nick Shalna responds to Dr. James Lindsay's article that was published on American Reformer, a well-known Christian Nationalist publisher. In the article, Dr. Lindsay modified the Communist Manifesto and submitted it for publishing. What does this tell us about the underlying issues with Christian Nationalism? What do the "Woke Left" and the new "Woke Right" undeniably have in common?
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
What is (and isn't) Christian Nationalism?
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout...
Why Are You a Christian? (How to Answer)
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Have you ever been asked an important question about your faith and panicked feeling like the blood was sucked out of your face? How would you respond if someone asked you why you follow Christ? Would you have a convincing and honest answer prepared, or would you resort to telling them how you became a Christian rather than why?
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
Original Sin?
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine
Resurrection Series:
Gary Habermas on...
Q&A: Did the Catholic Church Invent Hell?
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Is the United States past the point of return in regard to division? Did the Catholic Church invent hell as a scare tactic? Are science and faith contradictory? Why do people die physically?
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
Original Sin:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/235413/episodes/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-to-end
What is Annihilationism?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/235413/episodes/13111746-did-jesus-descend-to-hell-and-what-is-annihilationism
Support the show
Why I’m Not A Calvinist (Part 2)
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What does the term 'predestination' mean? Is everyone chosen either to be saved or not to be saved, and on the other hand, should we ignore the term? Why is Romans 9 so highly debated and does it provide a strong argument for reformed theology? What sort of tension existed between Jews and Gentiles in the first century?
Send your questions and disagreements to information@apologetics.org
Related Episodes:
Why I'm Not A Calvinist Part 1: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15932823-5-reasons-i-m-not-a-calvinist-part-1
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CTC: Could America Really Have a Civil War?
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
In this episode of Couch Talk Conspiracies (by The Universe Next Door): Why has there been so much talk of a Civil War in the US? Is America a failed experiment and what's intended to take its place? How important is it for Christians to be informed of what's going on and what can we do to make a positive and significant change?
Four Stages of Ideological Subversion (Must Read):
https://sovereignnations.com/2024/04/26/the-4-stages-of-ideological-subversion-public-occurrences-ep-119/
Christian Nationalism: What You Need To...
Christian Nationalism: What You Need to Know
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
What is Christian Nationalism? How might the term be deceiving? Why do things in our nation seem to be going downhill rapidly and what is the right response? What is the "woke right" and how is it being weaponized? Join us as Nick Shalna explains the issues and consequences associated with the Christian Nationalism movement.
*Catholic Intregalism is another prominent form of Christian Nationalism
Related Episodes and Links:
Why I'm Not a Calvinist (Last Weeks Episode)
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout...
5 Reasons I’m Not A Calvinist (Part 1)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Does God determine ahead of time who He'll save and who He won't? Are we totally depraved to the point that we can't recognize the goodness
s and power of the gospel? Why does the Bible say that "Many are invited but few are chosen?" What can we do to avoid being trapped in a theological framework that causes us to be unobjective?
Send your questions and disagreements to information@apologetics.org or follow us on Twitter https://x.com/tundpodcast
Related Episodes:
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Pray for Present and Future Hurricane Victims
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Join us hopefully later in the week or next Tuesday for our next episode!
In the meantime:
John 6 and Transubstantiation:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15851846-why-transubstantiation-has-nothing-to-do-with-john-6-the-bread-of-life
Is Scripture Innerant in Every Way?
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15582797-did-god-providentially-or-directly-inspire-the-bible-inspiration-and-inerrancy-series-pt-1
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Why Transubstantiation Has Nothing To Do with John 6 (The Bread of Life)
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What did Jesus mean when He said "I am the bread of life" in John 6? Did He intend to make a statement about consuming Him physically in one sense or another? Is the idea of transubstantiation biblical and is it found in John 6? What parallels might John be trying to draw between this story and similar accounts in the New Testament?
Send your questions and disagreements to information@apologetics.org
Newest Episodes:
5 Traps Christians Must Avoid:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15810360...
5 Manipulative Traps Christians Must Avoid To Be Effective
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Jesus sends us out to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. What traps should we be on the lookout for? How do we avoid being tricked into admitting something we didn't do or promoting something we don't believe in? How can recognizing these traps help us to be shrewd and avoid disabling our ability to share the gospel and defend Christian values? Join Nick Shalna as he discusses 5 common traps used to slow down our mission and advance dangerous ideologies.
Send your questions or...
A Reminder that Hitler is Evil and Christians Should Recognize It | Richard Weikart
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Nick Shalna interviews Dr. Richard Weikart on why there has been so much recent talk about Hitler being an "ok guy" and Churchill being the real villain of WWII. Why have young men in the Christian Nationalist movement recently sympathized with the Third Reich? Why has there seemingly been a large effort to rewrite history? How much of the holocaust originated with Hitler and how much originated with (some of) the German population at the time? Why does this matter today?
TUND Twitter link: https://x...
Q&A: Abortion, Eden and New Dimensions, My Biases
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Send in your questions to information@apologetics.org for our next Q&A!
Abortion and Amendment 4:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/15613164-abortion-amendment-4-and-incrementalism-vs-abolitionism-scott-klusendorf
The Evidence for the Resurrection is Overwhelming:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12577844-why-the-evidence-for-the-resurrection-is-overwhelming-gary-habermas
Support the show
Do Ancient Israelite Scientific Views Contradict Inerrancy? (Inspiration and Inerrancy Part 2)
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Did Ancient Israel believe that the earth was flat and had a solid dome over it? Did they believe stars were living beings rather than balls of gas? Should the way they viewed the world affect the reliability of the Bible? Join us for the second part of our series on inspiration and inerrancy!
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org
Part 1 of the Inspiration Series:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/15582797-did-god-providentially-or-directly-inspire-the-bible-inspiration-and-inerrancy-series-pt-1
Were Stars viewed as Angels in the Bible?
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Abortion Amendment 4 and Incrementalism vs Abolitionism | Scott Klusendorf
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
What is Amendment Four on the Florida ballot? Why does it seem people have been deceived by it? What's the difference between the incrementalist and abolitionist positions when it comes to abortion? Is there a practical way to ban abortion all at once or is this some sort of virtue signaling? Scott Klusendorf (The Case for Life) joins Nick Shalna to discuss these issues among others.
Send your questions or disagreements to information@apologetics.org
Other related episodes:
Marxist Olympics and Mental Gymnastics...
Did God Providentially or Directly Inspire the Bible? (Inspiration and Inerrancy Series Pt. 1)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
What does it mean for the Bible to be inspired by God? How specific is the famous term used in 2 Timothy 3:16, "God-Breathed" (Theopneustos)? Did the authors of Scripture think for themselves or did they mindlessly record ideas that came directly from God? Why has there been so much debate over how to define the Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture?
Join us next week for our interview on Amendment 4 (yes, it's a pro-abortion amendment) with Scott Klusendorf -- author of The Case for Life
Send your questions...
Archeologist: When did the Exodus Actually Happen? | Titus Kennedy
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Did the Exodus take place in (roughly) 1476 BC or around 1200 BC? Why is this date important and what significance does it have? Where do we find clues for this date both inside and outside of the Bible? Is archeology as fun as it looks? Nick Shalna and Dr. Tom Woodward interview Archeologist Titus Kennedy on the date of the Exodus and more!
Episode on a later date for the Exodus:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/11368407-is-there-evidence-for-a-biblical-mass-exodus-from-egypt-tim-mahoney-patterns-of-evidence
Most Recent Episode:
https...
Marxist Olympics, Mental Gymnastics and You
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Why is everything getting increasingly more chaotic and what can we do about it? Was the 'Last Supper" re-enactment at the Olympics more than just a 'woke' skit?
What are the four stages of ideological subversion and why is it crucial that we be aware of it?Â
Article Referenced:
https://sovereignnations.com/2024/04/26/the-4-stages-of-ideological-subversion-public-occurrences-ep-119/
Jill Biden Quote:
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/first-lady-jill-biden-praises-olympics-opening-ceremony-mocked-last-supper
Support the show
How Can We Pray for America After the Events this Weekend?
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In what ways can we pray for our country after the devastating events we all witnessed?
Join us back here next Tuesday at 5 pm for the episode on Inspiration and Innerrancy!
The Christ is King Trap:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14907957-a-letter-on-the-christ-is-king-trap
What's Behind Trans Visibility Day?:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14815189-trans-visibility-day-vs-easter-which-resurrection-will-you-recognize
Support the show
Was Genesis Wrong About Creation? (Alex O’Connor vs Dinesh D’Souza)
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Was Genesis Chapter 1 intended to be a scientific account of creation? Why does Genesis 1-11 seem to have so much in common with other writings from Israel's surrounding neighbors? In this debate, Nick responds to Alex O'Connor catching Dinesh D'Souza off-guard with some questions about the Bible. Are you prepared to defend your views on creation?
Is the Bible Inerrant and Can it be Trusted? | Mike Licona:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/15350669-is-the-bible-inerrant-and-can-it-be-trusted-mike-licona
Video in episode:
https://www.youtube.com...
Is the Bible Inerrant and Can It Be Trusted? | Mike Licona
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Nick Shalna interviews Dr. Michael Licona, author of Jesus, Contradicted, on the ideas of inspiration, inerrancy, and the reasons for differences among New Testament Gospels. How does the way that the gospels present the same story differently reflect the writing standards of the 1st century? What kinds of things did 1st Century authors do that may surprise us? If there is a surface contradiction or error in the Bible, does it disqualify its reliability and trustworthiness?
Similar Episodes:
What's with All of these Bible Contradictions?
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Is This the Most Evil Idea In the New Testament? (@Richard Dawkins & CosmicSkeptic - Rapid Response)
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Are we born into the world guilty of sin? Did Jesus Himself say He came to die for our sins? Can everyone recognize that there is some standard we all fall short of, and why does it matter which standard it is? Is morality possible apart from God?
Send your questions or video to information@apologetics.org!
Video Referenced:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QkZ8_mLCoA
Related Episodes:
What's with all of these Bible Contradictions?
https...
Is God Responsible for People Going to Hell? (@The Atheist Experience - Rapid Response)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Nick responds to a throwback video of Matt Dilahaunty taking a phone call from a Christian on "The Atheist Experience". Does the reality of God's foreknowledge necessitate the idea that He causes all of our actions? Is God responsible for all who go to hell because He created it? How should believers carry a conversation about the faith, and how SOULDN'T they?
Send your video or questions to information@apologetics.org for the Rapid Response series!
Most Recent Episode: What's with all of the Bible Contradictions...
What’s With All Of These Bible Contradictions? (@Cosmicskeptic - Rapid Response)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
Was the Israelite conquest genocide? Are there contradictions in the New Testament that bring doubt to the reliability of the Four Gospels? What does it mean for the Bible to be "true"? Did the Gospel writers forget when events happened? How does comparing the Gospels to other Ancient Greco-Roman Biographies add significance to the discussion?
Send your video or questions to information@apologetics.org for the Rapid Response series!
Most Recent Episode: Did Jesus Go to Egypt to Learn Ancient Secrets?
R...
Did Jesus Go To Egypt to Learn Ancient Secrets? (@Billy Carson - Rapid Response)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
How much time did Jesus spend in Egypt? Is the term "God" a mistranslation in the Bible? Is Yahweh just a Deity from another Pantheon? Where do modern-day gnostic ideas come from?
Send a video to information@apologetics.org for Nick to respond to in the Rapid Response Series!
Former Psychic: Communicating with Demons:
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14678738-former-psychic-communicating-with-spirits-tarot-cards-ouija-boards-demons-jenn-nizza
Who were the Angels of the Seven Churches?
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14329066-who-are-the-angels-of-the-seven-churches-in-revelation
Video Referenced:
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Does this One Verse Undermine the Whole Bible? (@HolyKoolaid - Rapid Response)
Send us your Questions and Comments Here
In the first episode of the rapid response series, Nick Shalna responds to a popular video by Youtube content creator Holy Koolaid. Was it unnecessary for Jesus to die on the cross to forgive sins? Is the Bible unreliable?
Send in a video for Nick to respond to - information@apologetics.org
Related Episodes:
Trans Visibility Day vs Easter -
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14815189-trans-visibility-day-vs-easter-which-resurrection-will-you-recognize
Do Christians Indoctrinate Their Children?
https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14498126-do-christians-indoctrinate-their-children-and-is-it-abuse
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