Send us a text

As Independence Day approaches, Christians face the perennial question: How should we navigate the relationship between our faith and our national identity? In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the biblical foundations for a Christian's responsibility toward the state, beginning with the nuanced understanding of Romans 13.

While Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, this submission has clear boundaries. When government demands contradict scripture or conscience, Christians must respectfully dissent. From abortion laws to restrictions on religious gatherings during COVID-19, believers constantly navigate this delicate balance.

The Baptist tradition offers unique insights here, representing what some call the "true Reformers" who pushed beyond Luther and Calvin in separating church and state. This historical perspective reveals two distinct spheres: the church wielding "the sword of the spirit" through gospel proclamation, while the state rightfully wields "the sword of steel" for maintaining justice. Unfortunately, many American Christians have increasingly blurred these distinctions.

We tackle controversial questions head-on: Should churches host patriotic services? Does 2 Chronicles 7:14 apply to modern America? What's the relationship between biblical Israel and the modern nation-state? Through careful biblical examination, we distinguish between appropriate gratitude for our nation and the dangerous conflation of American identity with Christian faith.

Whether you're wrestling with Christian nationalism, wondering about patriotic elements in worship, or seeking to honor both God and country faithfully, this conversation offers biblical guidance for celebrating Independence Day as citizens of heaven living in America.

Subscribe, share, and join us next month for more thought-provoking discussions on faith and culture!

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

The written word has shaped Christian formation since the church began, and in this revealing conversation, Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns explore how reading remains essential for spiritual growth today.

"Of making many books there is no end," wrote Solomon in Ecclesiastes – not as a criticism of reading itself, but as a caution against making knowledge an idol above God. Even the Apostle Paul, facing death in a Roman prison, requested his books and parchments for comfort and edification. This biblical foundation sets the stage for a discussion about how intentional reading shapes the Christian mind.

Both hosts share their reading origin stories, recounting how J.R.R. Tolkien's works sparked their lifelong love of books around age 12. For many believers, fiction becomes the gateway to deeper theological exploration – whether through C.S. Lewis's allegories or John Grisham's moral dilemmas embedded in courtroom dramas. The conversation reveals how different genres – from presidential biographies to historical accounts of war – expand our understanding of human nature and leadership.

The heart of the episode centers on transformative Christian classics. Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," written from prison by a persecuted Baptist preacher, tops both hosts' must-read lists. Other recommendations include J.C. Ryle's "Holiness," J.I. Packer's "Knowing God," and Calvin's "Institutes" – each offering profound insights into Christian theology and practice. These books don't merely inform; they transform readers through deep engagement with eternal truths.

For those who struggle to find time for reading, the hosts offer practical wisdom: commit to just 10-20 pages daily. This simple discipline, maintained consistently, allows anyone to complete substantial works over time. The minutes we often squander on social media scrolling could instead nourish our souls through intentional reading.

Ready to transform your spiritual life through reading? Begin with Scripture, add a Christian classic, and watch how God uses these written words to shape your heart and mind. Take up and read!

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

A thought-provoking examination of biblical authority versus cultural accommodation unfolds as we dive into the New Yorker's recent mini-documentary questioning whether the Southern Baptist Convention can survive without women pastors. We analyze how the video juxtaposes compassionate female leadership against supposedly rigid traditionalism while missing the fundamental theological principles at stake.

The heart of this conversation isn't about personalities or even church growth strategies. Rather, we examine how passages like 1 Timothy 2-3 and Titus 1 have historically informed Southern Baptist understanding of pastoral qualifications. Tom Askell's powerful statement from the documentary perfectly captures the conservative position: "It's God's world. He sets the rules. It's Christ's church. We can't make it up as we go."

We challenge the documentary's narrative by examining real growth numbers from churches committed to biblical authority. While mainline denominations embracing female ordination have experienced significant membership losses over decades, many theologically conservative SBC churches are thriving. Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, for example, has nearly doubled its attendance in just four years while maintaining traditional positions on pastoral leadership.

Baptist polity gets special attention as we clarify misconceptions about church autonomy and denominational boundaries. The SBC cannot "remove" churches—it can only determine which congregations maintain "friendly cooperation" with the convention's stated beliefs. This distinction matters tremendously in understanding what's actually happening when messengers from churches with female pastors are unseated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth, we invite you to follow our coverage at baptistcourier.com, where we'll provide timely updates and thoughtful analysis of this ongoing conversation within America's largest Protestant denomination.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

The selection of Pope Leo XIV has captured global attention, prompting three Southern Baptist leaders to examine what this means for evangelicals in this thoughtful episode of Courier Conversations.

Jeff Robinson hosts Dr. Travis Kearns and Dr. Walter Johnson for a candid discussion about the theological implications of papal authority from an evangelical perspective. The conversation centers on a fundamental question: Should evangelicals celebrate the selection of a new Pope, or does the very office itself represent a theological problem?

The team dives deep into Matthew 16—the passage where Jesus tells Peter "on this rock I will build my church"—unpacking why evangelicals reject the Catholic interpretation that establishes papal authority. Dr. Kearns offers a compelling linguistic analysis of the Greek text, arguing that when Jesus says "this rock," he's referring to himself as the foundation, not establishing Peter as the first Pope. This distinction forms the cornerstone of evangelical objections to papal claims.

Historical challenges to papal succession receive equal attention, with the panel highlighting how the concept of papal supremacy developed gradually over centuries rather than existing from the beginning. They discuss problematic periods when multiple competing popes simultaneously claimed authority, raising questions about the Catholic notion of unbroken apostolic succession from Peter to the present day.

While maintaining clear theological boundaries, the conversation acknowledges the practical influence of the papacy on moral and political fronts. The panel reflects on Pope John Paul II's positive role in opposing communism alongside Western leaders and considers how Pope Leo XIV might influence contemporary moral issues where evangelicals and Catholics find common ground.

The discussion concludes with a powerful affirmation that Christ alone stands as the true head of His church—no earthly representative or vicar needed. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a balanced exploration of how evangelicals can thoughtfully engage with Catholic traditions while remaining grounded in biblical truth.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

Tired of hearing that theology is only for scholars or that doctrine divides people? This illuminating conversation with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, makes a compelling case for why theological understanding matters deeply for every believer.

Dr. Johnson brilliantly distinguishes between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him, explaining that while "you can know a lot about God without knowing him, I don't think you can know him very well without knowing a lot about him." This insight forms the foundation for a discussion about how theological understanding transforms our relationship with God and shapes faithful Christian living.

The hosts tackle practical challenges of teaching theology in local churches, acknowledging that many believers find the subject intimidating. Rather than announcing a "systematic theology" series that might draw only the pastor's spouse, they suggest creative approaches: teaching through a church's doctrinal statement, comparing Christianity with other religions, or working through theologically-rich books of the Bible. The goal isn't academic knowledge but spiritual transformation.

Perhaps most compelling is the protective function of sound doctrine. Just as Secret Service agents study genuine currency so thoroughly they immediately recognize counterfeits, Christians grounded in biblical truth can readily identify false teaching. As Hosea warned, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"—a sobering reminder of what's at stake when believers neglect theological understanding.

The conversation concludes with each participant sharing books that sparked their theological journeys—from Packer's "Knowing God" to Calvin's "Institutes"—demonstrating how theological reading can transform not just understanding but devotion to God. These personal testimonies reinforce that theology isn't merely academic but deeply practical and spiritually enriching.

Want to deepen your own theological understanding? Subscribe to Courier Conversations on your favorite podcast platform, visit baptistcourier.com for daily content, and consider sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from seeing theology in a new light.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

Doctrinal avoidance has become a disturbing trend in modern churches, exemplified by an Arizona pastor who proudly declared: "I don't do doctrine or theology, it's too divisive. I just love Jesus and love other people."

This episode tackles this theological aversion head-on with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenwood University. He expertly dissects why this pastor's statement is fundamentally self-contradictory – the moment someone preaches about Jesus, they're engaging in theology. The question isn't whether you're doing theology, but whether you're doing it well.

We explore the historical roots of anti-intellectualism in American Christianity, tracing how the Second Great Awakening shifted focus from scriptural depth to emotional experience, and how fundamentalism's withdrawal from intellectual engagement created a false association between theological thinking and liberalism. The shift from Jonathan Edwards' substantive preaching to Charles Finney's emotional appeals fundamentally altered how American Christians approach doctrine.

Dr. Johnson offers profound insights: "Truth is divisive – it divides truth from error, right from wrong, and ultimately heaven from hell." Yet this necessary division differs from being divisively argumentative. When Christians lack theological understanding, they remain vulnerable to false teachings, unable to distinguish between the biblical Jesus and counterfeit versions offered by various groups.

The consequences are startling – less than 5% of Christians can articulate the fundamental differences between orthodox Christianity and Mormon theology. Without systematic understanding, believers lack the framework to interpret Scripture coherently or engage with competing worldviews.

Ready to deepen your theological understanding? Join us for part two where we'll explore practical ways to implement systematic theology in your local church. Subscribe now and follow the Baptist Courier for more resources that inform and inspire believers beyond surface-level spirituality.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

The most devastating wildfires in upstate South Carolina history have ravaged more than 13,500 acres, raising profound questions about divine purpose amid suffering. Where exactly is God when natural disasters strike? Why does a good and all-powerful Creator allow earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires to devastate communities?

Host Jeff Robinson shares his experience pastoring in Birmingham during America's largest tornado outbreak, when he boldly placed "Where was God?" on the church marquee—drawing hundreds seeking answers to life's most challenging theological question. Co-host Travis Kearns unpacks the philosophical tension articulated by Friedrich Nietzsche: If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does evil exist?

The conversation examines Scripture's anticipation of this question, particularly through Job's experience as the righteous sufferer who lost everything while remaining faithful. We explore how God permits Satan to test Job while maintaining ultimate sovereignty—what Charles Spurgeon called "a lion on a leash." This biblical framework helps us navigate contemporary disasters from recent wildfires to devastating earthquakes.

Romans 8:28 emerges as the theological anchor, promising that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God." This doesn't mean disasters themselves are good, but that God mysteriously works through them toward ultimate good for believers. Jesus' response to the Tower of Siloam tragedy further illuminates how we should interpret catastrophic events—not as specific punishment, but as reminders of our mortality and need for repentance.

Rather than questioning God's character when tragedy strikes, this episode invites listeners to recognize divine sovereignty operating beyond human comprehension while finding comfort in God's presence amid life's most challenging storms. The conversation concludes with a powerful call to share the gospel with renewed urgency, knowing tomorrow isn't promised for anyone.

Have you wrestled with God's role in natural disasters? Share your experience or questions with us at conversations@baptistcourier.com.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

A Supreme Court nominee unable to define "woman" and a President needing to officially declare only two genders exist – how did we arrive at this cultural moment where biological reality became controversial? Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns tackle the increasingly confused topic of gender through a biblical lens, providing much-needed clarity with theological depth and practical insight.

The conversation begins in Genesis, where God's intentional design of male and female establishes not just biological categories but complementary roles with divine purpose. "God made them male and female, in His image, to multiply and fill the earth," Travis emphasizes, highlighting how modern gender ideology fundamentally contradicts this created order. When examining Romans 1, the hosts make a compelling observation that gender confusion appears as the first-mentioned sin after humans turn from worshiping Creator to creation – a profound insight into why this issue has become so culturally significant.

Drawing from Kevin DeYoung's framework, the discussion outlines five biblical distinctions between men and women: appearance, physical attributes, characteristic strengths, natural demeanors, and complementary roles. While acknowledging cultural variables, they maintain that Scripture provides clear boundaries that celebrate rather than minimize gender differences. Perhaps most intriguing is their examination of whether gender issues might have genetic components influenced by the Fall, while still emphasizing moral responsibility remains unchanged.

This episode offers a thoughtful, Scripture-centered response to one of today's most divisive cultural issues. Whether you're confused by rapidly changing terminology, concerned about cultural trends, or seeking biblical wisdom for conversations with friends and family, this discussion provides solid ground in a shifting landscape. Join us as we examine what it means to embrace God's good design in a world increasingly determined to redefine it.

https://baptistcourier.com
https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/