Theocast
Our primary focus at Theocast is to encourage weary pilgrims to rest in Christ. We facilitate simple conversations about the Christian life from a reformed perspective through our weekly podcasts, primers, books, articles, and educational material.
White-Knuckled American Sanctification
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...
The Suspicion of Experience
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.
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Thou Shalt Not Misquote
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.
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<...Examine Yourselves!
"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...
Thoughts on Costi Hinn and Cheap Grace
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 intera...
Why Are So Many People Going to Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism?
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 Christi...
Credobaptism or Paedobaptism? - Part 2 (w/ Adriel Sanchez from Sola Media)
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...
Why New Calvinism Is Not Reformed
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 t...
Law & Gospel (with Bob Hiller @ 1517)
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.
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<...Our Thoughts on John Piper and Falling Away
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 ques...
Law & Gospel (with Chad Bird)
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!
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God Really Does Love Us (with Dan Cruver)
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...
The Good and The Bad of New Calvinism
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."
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The Danger of "God's Glory" without the Gospel
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...
Let's Talk About Idolatry
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 Test...
How Could Lot Be Righteous?
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 an...
The Most Christian Thing We Do
What is the most Christian thing we could do? If you're like many out there, you might say, "Well, I would not sin." Fair answer. That certainly is a fruit of being united to the Lord Jesus Christ. But Jon and Justin offer a different perspective today. Perhaps the most Christian thing we could ever do is confess and acknowledge our weakness and then cast ourselves into the arms of Jesus Christ. We believe this leads to all kinds of good things, including freedom, joy, and peace. It is also a path to sanctification and transformation of life. If...
Would Satan Approve of Your Morality?
Is there a kind of preaching that Satan would approve of? We often assume it’s the kind that denies miracles and weakens morality, but he may just as well applaud preaching that exalts virtue and moral living while leaving out Jesus. At Theocast, we believe this kind of Christless preaching is dangerous, as it shifts the focus from the gospel to mere behavior. Today, Jon and Justin will discuss this issue and how it affects life in the local church. How do we talk about obedience, faithfulness, and discipleship without obscuring Jesus or assuming the gospel? Our goal is...
How Satan Uses the Law
It is safe to say that the Apostle Paul was one of the most vigorous defenders of the gospel, and he said many things to protect it from legalism. However, there is an aspect of Paul's discussions that often goes unnoticed—his argument that legalism is not only a human issue but also a tool used by the kingdom of darkness. Paul explains that when Jesus put the rulers of this age to open shame, it was because they were using the law to condemn us. Jon and Justin discuss how the law can be manipulated by demonic forces to...
Despisers of Grace
When people look at the liberal-conservative divide—or perhaps the loose versus strict legalistic divide—in the church, they assume there is nothing in common between these groups. However, Jon and Justin disagree. We believe that both of these groups can be described as despisers of grace. Today, we’re going to explain what we mean by that. We’ll have a conversation about the law, the gospel, the grace of God, and the path to true freedom and rest in Jesus.
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...More Than Forgiven
Many believers struggle with doubts about whether they truly belong to Christ, often because their lives don’t look the way they want. Is Jesus only enough for the forgiveness of sins, or is there more to what He has accomplished in us? The answer is yes—He is better than you’ve ever imagined. He not only forgives and justifies but also works in us by His Spirit to sanctify us. Through our union with Him, we are safe, secure, justified, and being sanctified, and we will be with God forever. Today, Jon and Justin discuss union with Christ...
What About Tongues, Healing, and Prophecy?
Have you ever had someone say, “The Lord told me to tell you…”? How do you process that statement? What about modern prophecies, miracles, visions, and dreams? As Reformed, conservative Christians, how do we interpret these things through Scripture? That is the focus of today’s podcast. We want to have a meaningful conversation about assurance and the hope we have in Christ.
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Whose Voice Are You Listening To?
As human beings, we constantly hear many voices, whether we realize it or not. A key question to ask ourselves is: Whose voice am I listening to? Is it the voice of Satan, who accuses and deceives? The voice of my flesh or the world? Or the voice of my Savior, who speaks truth and life? The voice we listen to shapes our daily experience and how we see the world. Jon and Justin hope this conversation helps us recalibrate our ears to hear the voice of Jesus.
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<...Why Is Life So Hard?
Disappointment is part of the human experience, rooted in our expectations that life should be free of struggles. We often forget that trials are inevitable and that everyone will eventually die. Today's podcast explores this utopian view of life and how hardships can shake our faith, causing us to question God’s purpose. Jon and Justin discuss why this happens and where true hope is found. The world is groaning under suffering, but the ultimate solution is always Jesus.
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What Does It Mean to Confirm Our Election?
At Theocast, we get this question a lot: What about 2 Peter when it says that we should be confirming our calling and election by our obedience? Isn't that really a way for us to examine ourselves and find our assurance, saying, "Look, my obedience aligns with my confession?" Yes and no. That passage has probably hurt more people than it has helped. But Peter wrote it to help them—he actually wrote it to encourage them. So if you read 2 Peter 1:10 and feel discouraged, you should keep listening. That is not what was intended.
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Does Jesus Weep With Us?
We are told in Scripture that Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest. But what does that mean? Does He feel with us? Does He weep with us? Does He see? Does He care? Jon and Justin are having a conversation today about Jesus and His heart toward sinners. They aim to discuss this topic within the context of historical orthodoxy, considering all the appropriate theological nuances. Together, they will look to the Scriptures to reveal that we have a compassionate, sympathetic, gentle, lowly, and tender Savior who understands us, is with us, and is for us. We can trust...
As A Christian, Do My Emotions Matter?
If you've been listening to Theocast, you’ve probably heard us say, “Don’t trust your feelings when it comes to assurance or peace with God.” As you learn more about the Reformed or confessional faith, you might wonder if emotions are bad and should be pushed aside. Yet, as you live your life and feel deeply, you may ask: do my emotions matter—to God, my pastor, or my church? Jon and Justin will explore these questions and discuss how confessionalism emphasizes processing our experiences and emotions through the objectively revealed presence of God: with us, for us, and to sav...
Have You Overcorrected in Your Deconstruction?
Discovering the wonders of grace and freedom means realizing you no longer need to perform to earn acceptance—a liberating truth. However, in walking away from pietism, legalism, and revivalism, there’s a risk of overcorrecting and neglecting key aspects of the gospel, such as confessing sins and continuing to trust in Christ. Jon and Justin explore how deconstruction can unintentionally foster selfishness and discuss how to navigate this process in a healthy, gospel-centered way that leads to true transformation.
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<...Thinking About God: Dread or Comfort?
What comes to mind when you think about God? Do you feel comfort, safety, and love, or do you wrestle with doubt, dread, and judgment? It's been said that our thoughts about God shape every area of our lives, and today Jon and Justin dive deep into this idea. Join them as they explore who God is, what He is like, and how He has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ. Tune in for a thoughtful and honest conversation about faith, feelings, and the character of God.
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Gutting the Scripture of Its Power
Many Christians today feel absolutely drained and powerless. They have tried every solution under the sun to overcome their sin, grow in Christ, and mature in their faith, striving for sanctification. Yet, they feel defeated and often question, “Am I even God's? Do I truly belong to Him?” It seems as though the power of Christianity has disappeared. How did that happen? That’s exactly what Justin and Jon want to discuss today. How did the power of the gospel become gutted from the Bible?
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Gospel-Lite and Law-Heavy Living
Does the Christian life ever feel like you're sitting on a bicycle, pedaling as hard as you possibly can, but not going anywhere—only to realize there's no chain on the bike? That's what we call "gospel-lite, law-heavy living." You feel like you're putting in a lot of effort but not making any progress because you've been relying on the wrong power source. That's what Justin and Jon want to talk about today: where the true source of light and power comes from.
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Living by Faith Isn't Easy
Over the years, Jon and Justin have sought to defend the gospel message: that we are saved by Jesus Christ through faith in Him alone. This belief has often been met with criticism. People frequently object, saying, "Surely it’s not that simple—it has to involve more than just faith in Jesus." In response, Jon and Justin argue that faith is not as easy as it might seem. Walking by faith, rather than by sight, is challenging for us as human beings. In today’s discussion, they will explore this concept further, referencing scripture and addressing recent debates about...
How Do We Know God Is Pleased With Us?
Many Christians often struggle with a significant question: How does God truly feel about me? We are aware of the sins we try to hide and the personal struggles we face. God knows all our weaknesses and failures, and deep down, we question whether He is angry or disappointed with us. We may wonder if He will discipline us or pursue us in judgment because we continue to fail. How can God keep loving someone who repeatedly falls short? This is an essential question, and today, Justin and Jon want to address it. Understanding God's attitude toward you is...
Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering?
If God is both sovereign and good, why does He allow evil and suffering in the world? These are questions we often ask. For Justin, who lives in Asheville, North Carolina, they’ve just gone through a hurricane, so there are many people asking these questions. Today, Jon and Justin are having a conversation about this, and we acknowledge that we don’t have specific answers to every question. The secret things belong to the Lord. But we’re going to talk about God—His power, His character, His nature, His love for us—and the truths we know about Him...
An Introduction to the Law and Gospel Distinction
The distinction between law and gospel is one of the most important topics covered at Theocast, as it lies at the heart of resting in Christ. Many struggle with trusting in Christ's sufficiency because they mistakenly mix the law with the gospel, believing there's something they must do to earn God's acceptance. This episode compiles key points from previous episodes to help clarify this important distinction and encourage listeners to rest in Christ's finished work.
Check out the full episodes featured in this compilation:
Law/Gospel Distinction is Life-Changing | Theocast
Intro to Law...
Reading the Bible Through Law/Gospel Lenses
Is there a right and wrong way to read your Bible? We're going to argue that yes, there is. There’s a dangerous way where passages are misapplied—for example, reading the law as gospel or the gospel as law, which leads to confusion and distorts the message. In today's podcast, we discuss how to read your Bible with a law-gospel distinction. We'll cover how to think about different parts of the Bible, like narratives, Psalms, Proverbs, prophecy, and the New Testament gospels, ensuring you approach them with the right perspective to avoid muddying the gospel.
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Gospel Shrewdness and Discernment Ministries
Today's conversation is one that Jon and Justin wanted to have as they look at the broader Christian landscape. Even within their own churches, it seems that many Christians operate out of fear and are overly concerned with certain theological directions. This fear may prevent us from partnering with sincere, well-meaning Christians to promote the gospel and could stunt our own growth by keeping us from learning from those outside our tradition, who have valuable insights on many aspects of the Christian life. This episode is two pastors processing things in real time, and we hope it will be...
How Humility Helps Us
When you hear the word "humility," what comes to mind? How do you feel when you recall how a pastor, perhaps in your past, spoke to you about the need to be humble? How did that affect you? In today's episode, Jon and Justin have a conversation about humility—specifically, humbling ourselves before and under the mighty hand of God. The purpose of humility may not be what you're expecting. It leads to much good, because God is mighty to save and deliver us. He is our faithful God who loves us and desires that we come to Him wi...
Assurance of Salvation? (w/ Room for Nuance)
Jon and Justin were recently invited onto the Room for Nuance podcast with Sean DeMars to discuss various topics surrounding assurance of salvation, law-gospel distinction, and the relationship between faith and works. We hope you find this conversation informative and encouraging!
ROOM FOR NUANCE
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The Gospel of Sincere Obedience
Oh no, Jon and Justin are talking about obedience again. Yes, we are—and it’s an important subject because, to be frank, we truly want everyone who listens to this podcast to obey sincerely. The question is, how is that accomplished? There is no good news for those who only emphasize obedience. We have to look to a power beyond ourselves, and that’s what we’re going to be discussing today.
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