Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Sometimes one of the most difficult aspects of faith is when we appear to be doing everything right but things don’t appear to be getting any better. All too often we mistakenly assume that good behaviour invariably equates to an easier life! The church at Philadelphia learnt that in spite of their committed devotion, they were subject to the rejection of those around them, and the persecution from those above them in authority

And yet Jesus was extremely commendable of the Philadelphian church. Like the church at Smyrna, he hadn’t a single complaint to say about them. He acknowledged their vulnerability and weakness, yet celebrated their steadfast commitment to endure and persevere. And though they were presently under threat of excommunication and isolation, Jesus would one day publicly acknowledge them and express his deep love of them

This week the Curious Team take a look at the tough experience of the Philadelphians. How we sustain faith in the midst of pressure and rejection. How we must come to an understanding that our expressing real holiness of life, does not always result in a reduction of pressure and tough times. Tune in this week as the team seek to get under the surface of the Philadelphian understanding


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…
The Little Church that Tried - RayStedman.org

To the Church in Philadelphia - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A D Weima—
The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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The Dutch philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard wrote; “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true”. The Sardinian church were guilty of both. First they believed that they were alive and thriving, something that wasn’t true. And second they dismissed any thought of being dead and weak, something Jesus was to remind them they most certainly were.

We are all in danger of developing an acute form of self deception. We like to think of ourselves as stronger, brighter and more spiritually mature than we often are. We tend to believe our own press. We take the best of what we hear and assume that it is the entirety of who we are. And the more we listen to that voice, the less likely we are to listen to the voice of truth, the voice of Christ 

The church at Sardis was commanded to do three important things; to “wake up”, to “strengthen”, and to “reaffirm”. They were called to return to what truly mattered and to give their attention to what was deeply important

This week the Curious team take a look at the staggering self delusion represented by the church at Sardis. Jesus had some very straight and plain truths to tell them, and this week the Curious team unpack them, asking how their rebuke is still very relevant to today’s church. Be sure to tune in to this weeks conversation. 

Further Reading 

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder; 

Lessons from Sardis: Finish What You Started - TheGospelCoalition.org

What Does Revelation Say about the Church at Sardis? - Christianity.com

To the Church at Sardis - Ligonier.org

What We’re Reading

As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A Weima — The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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The one time professional cricketer turned missionary to China and Africa, Charles T Studd once declared, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him“. Total surrender is a richly understood necessity for those who engage Christ as saviour, but it is never without its struggles. Compromise continues to irritate and frustrate at every level.

The church at Thyatira was no exception. Commended for their love, faith, service and patient perseverance, they were nevertheless tolerating the festering influence of Jezebel and all that came with it. In the midst of an impressive dedication to Christ there resided a gaping hole of compromise.

This week the Curious team take a look at the contradiction that was Thyatira. How Jesus dealt with a church that could be both impressively committed in some areas whilst remaining mysteriously lapsed in others. Tune in this week as the team seek to unravel this perplexing yet all too common facet of the Christian’s experience. 

Further Reading 

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder; 

What Does Revelation Teach Us about the Church at Thyatira? - Christianity.com

Poisonous Tolerance - DesiringGod.org

The Letter to the Church at Thyatira - Ligonier.org

What We’re Reading

As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A Weima — The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

One of the recurring problems that Israel faced in the subsequent immediate years following their Exodus from Egypt, was the infiltration of thoughts and ideas from non-Israelites travelling within their company. Sometimes they would encourage them to murmur and grumble. In later years, as that foreign element increased, they would be tempted to look elsewhere for other gods and forms of worship.

Compromise is always a dangerous element within any group, but especially within the church of God. The church at Pergamum was facing a very similar threat. Despite having those who were faithful and held fast to the truth, even to the point of death, as Antipas; yet there was a number among them who held to beliefs, ideas and convictions that were foreign to Christ and truth.

This week the Curious Team take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Pergamum Church. They examine the great strength of holding fast and persevering; whilst also unpacking the real danger of rooted compromise. Tune in this week as the team uncover the good and bad of church life


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…
The Letter to the Church in Pergamum - Ligonier.org
Pergamos: The Compromised Church - LineageJourney.com

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A D Weima—
The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

It can be very easy to speak in terms of God‘s sovereignty and control over all things. Even when we see very difficult times inflicted on the world and others, it is not a huge stretch of faith to maintain the conviction of God‘s control of world events. However, when that suffering and pain impacts on our own personal lives and on the lives of those we love, it is considerably harder at that point to maintain a stubborn insistence on the sovereignty and governance of God over the events of life. The temptation is to rethink our understanding. To doubt that God is either all powerful or all good.

In this second episode of our new series ‘Seven Churches Speak’, Pete and the Curious team take a look at the Church in Smyrna. The Smyrnaean believers were being maligned and slandered, blasphemed and persecuted. And rather than being met with good news that their difficulties and pain was about to come to an end; they are told by John that persecution will not only continue but increase!

This week the Curious Team take a look at how this particular church in Smyrna managed not only to endure, but to thrive and grow in the most hostile of environments. Tune in this week as the team uncover some wonderful lessons from the church in Smyrna.


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…
What does God say about the Church at Smyrna? - Christianity.com

The Letter to the Church in Smyrna - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book(s) that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A D Weima—
The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Is it possible to be doctrinally astute, theologically correct, scripturally protective, and yet be displeasing to God? Is it possible that we can become so focused on making sure we are saying and believing the right thing that we become dislocated from doing the right thing? Is what we think always inevitably tied to what we do, or can we find ourselves believing one thing and doing another?

In this first episode of our new series ‘Seven Churches Speak’, Pete and the Curious team take a look at the Church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a church commended by Jesus for their dedication and commitment to orthodoxy. They guarded their pulpit with an impressive zeal. However, even amidst such pious and particular orthodoxy; these Ephesian believers let slip the most fundamental of necessities; the need to love God and loved one another 

This week the Curious Team take a look at how this particular Ephesian problem can be an often is a universal church problem here in the 21st-century. Tune in this week as the team take a deeper look into the church Ephesus. 



Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

The Letter to the Church in Ephesus - WSCal.edu

What is the Significance of the Church of Ephesus in the Bible? - Christianity.com

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A D Weima — The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

What could seven churches, situated across Asia Minor, some 2,000 years ago, possibly have to say to individuals and the church in today’s twenty-first century? Why were they there, what did Jesus have to say to them, what can we learn former their successes, how do they serve as cautions to us?

Over the next seven episodes the Curious team will unpack the seven churches seeking to discover their meaning in the first century, and their relevance for today.

In this opening episode of our new series ‘Seven Churches Speak’, Pete and the Curious team interview writer and New Testament professor Jeffrey Weima over his book ‘The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation’. In this episode Jeff provides a broad introduction to the context and purpose of the seven sermons and what their overall message included.


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What is the Significance of the Seven Churches in Revelation? - BibleStudyTools.com

What do the Seven Churches in Revelation Represent? - Christianity.com


What we’re reading?

Jeffrey A D Weima — The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

When many people look at all the evil, difficulty and suffering in the world, they almost instinctively ask; “where is God?” Another way of asking that question is to insist, how involved is God in this world? Is he an absent landlord, who only turns up very occasionally when there’s a serious problem? Or is he aware of what’s happening and remains in complete control and has a plan in spite of the fact we’re not always aware of it? Or is he aware but not in control and sits as a heavenly observer hoping that humankind will gets its act together?

How is divine providence relevant to all these dilemmas? What do we mean when we talk about divine providence? Is it that God sustains the earth and everything in it? Or is it that he not only sustains it, but orders and governs it? Does God macro-manage, or does scripture reflect more a micro-managing of the world and its course?

In this eighth and final episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team take a look at the classic understanding of divine providence. What was once a staple throughout the reformation years, has become something of a long lost cousin in todays culture with few if any pulpits teaching anything of divine providence. Tune in this week as the team debate and discuss the significance and impact of this expansive subject


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

The Providence of God - DesiringGod.org

What is Providence? - Ligonier.org

God's Providence Over All - ModernReformation.org


What we’re reading?

R C Sproul — The Invisible Hand
Paul Helm — The Providence of God
John Piper — Providence

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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When it comes to the sin against the Holy Spirit, there has remained a great deal of confusion within some elements of the church. Some believe it is a sin impossible for a Christian to commit. Some confine it to the era in which it was written i.e: first century Palestine. Others believe it to be another form of apostasy.  Whilst still others, even Christians, like Bunyan’s man in the iron cage, fear they may have committed it and are thereby bereft of any hope of repentance or salvation.

How are we to understand the sin against the Holy Spirit that we read of in Mark 3, Matthew 12 and Luke 12? Is it a sin that Jesus died for? Is it the only sin to be beyond redemption? Can a Christian actually commit it? And what is so unique about it that makes it so singularly condemning?

In this seventh episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team attempt to tease open this rather sensitive and controversial issue. They’ll be asking how have we traditionally understood it? What did Jesus mean by it within the context in which he said it? How are we to understand it today? Tune in this week as the team debate and discuss the significance and impact of this difficult subject 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

Can a Christian Blaspheme the Holy Spirit? - DesiringGod.org

What is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit? - GotQuestions.org

What is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit? - Tenth.org

What we’re reading?

Horatius Bonar ― The Sin unto Death and the Sin against the Holy Spirit 

This little booklet is currently available on Amazon, Kindle Edition for 77p (link here)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What was God’s intention in Genesis 2:3 when He instituted the Sabbath and ‘sanctified it’ and ‘set it apart’? In our present culture sabbath has been understood as addressing the work/life balance. The need to rediscover a restful rhythm to life. Certainly the rate of work is addressed in the sabbath, but does it simply stop there? Is the sabbath day a sacred 24 hours or could any day be taken as one’s sabbath? 

Martin Luther referred to the seventh day as a ‘gift from God Himself’. Respected American historian Phillip Schaff, defined the sabbath as a “previous gift of grace, a privilege, a holy rest”; and John Newton remarked, “how dull the Sabbath day without the Sabbath Lord”! 

In this sixth episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team take a deeper look into our understanding of the sabbath. When we are told that God specifically ‘blessed’ the sabbath day, how does that help us to define or re-define the day differently to any other? Abraham Heschel insisted that the Sabbath “is a day for the sake of life”, adding; “the Sabbath is not for the sake of the weekdays; the weekdays are for the sake of Sabbath. It is not an interlude but the climax of living”. Tune in this week as the team will discuss how the sabbath might be better understood as the ‘climax for living’. 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What is the Sabbath in the Bible and Should Christians Observe it? - BibleProject.com  

Should Christians Keep the Sabbath? - DesiringGod.org

What we’re reading?

Abraham Heschel ― The Sabbath

Iain H. Murray — Rest in God 

Terry L. Johnson ― The Christian Sabbath 

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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From over forty years of Billy Graham crusades, to Bill Bright and the Campus Crusade For Christ and the ‘Four Spiritual Laws’, the sinner's prayer has remained a long established practice in calling the unrepentant to faith. Yet it has not been without its critics, who have labelled it anywhere from easy believism to false assurance. How have we arrived at it and can it be qualified in scripture? 

Additionally, there has remained an even more complex problem in terms of those who have never heard the gospel in any clarity. How do we understand the plight of the newborn, or the mentally impaired? 

In this fifth episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team attempt to tackle both of these controversial questions. Reflecting on advocates and critics of what’s come to be known as ‘the sinners prayer’; and unpacking the various views of exclusivism, inclusivism and universalism, in an attempt to take a closer look at some reasoning behind those who’ve never heard; this weeks episode will address a variety of delicate issues. Tune in this week as the team agree and disagree over this vital issue

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What About Those Who Have Never Heard? - DesiringGod.org

What About Those Who Have Never Heard The Gospel? - Christianity.org

What Is The Sinner's Prayer for Salvation? - Crosswalk.com 

Why The Sinner's Prayer Has Me Concerned and a Biblical Alternative - STR.org

What we’re reading?

Edited by John Sanders — What About Those Who Have Never Heard?: Three Views on the Destiny of the Unevangelized

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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All of us as Christians can point to a moment in time when we found ourselves coming to Christ, praying for forgiveness, repenting, believing and becoming a Christian. But if we think that’s where God’s interest in us began, we are sadly mistaken. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that our individual salvation was not a thought in time, but a determination before time! Paul could write to Timothy for example, “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Tim.1:9). Our salvation is pretemporal, ‘before the foundation of the earth’ (Eph.1:4). 

In this fourth episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team get controversial as they debate and disagree over the understanding of what has been classically understood as the doctrine of unconditional election! They will look at foreknowledge, sovereignty, human responsibility, prevenient grace, and more; as they contend over this difficult issue. Tune in this week as the team agree and disagree over this vital issue

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

TULIP and Reformed Theology: Unconditional Election - Ligonier.org

Ten Reasons You Need Unconditional Election - DesiringGod.org

An Arminian Understanding of Election - ThoughtsTheological.com

What we’re reading?

John Calvin — The Secret Providence of God ―

Robert A. Peterson ― Election and Free Will: God's Gracious Choice and Our Responsibility (Explorations in Biblical Theology) 

R C Sproul ― Chosen by God

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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For centuries debates have raged regarding the state of the soul after death. Some have argued for what has been termed psychopannychia, or put simply, soul sleep! That the soul remains unconscious and non-cognitive until the resurrection. Others, specifically more of the Roman Catholic understanding have advocated for a purgatory. A place where souls go immediately upon death to atone for sins that would forbid them immediate access to heaven. Others have taught a form of Sheol or Hades, a type of holding place for disembodied souls, whilst others have insisted on reincarnation. 

In this third episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team encourage us to look at these understandings of the souls existence or not upon death. In this episode they discuss the various views including Paul’s intriguing words to the Corinthian Church that should one be absent from the body they would be at home with the Lord (2 Cor.5:8). Tune in this week as the team agree and disagree over this vital issue

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What do you believe about the Intermediate State? - DesiringGod.org

The Intermediate State - TableTalkMagazine.com

What is the Intermediate State? - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?

As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

David Pawson ― The Road To Hell

Edward W. Fudge & Robert A. Peterson ― Two Views of Hell

Tom Wright ― Surprised by Hope

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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How do we define hell? What is its purpose? Is there a possibility that there’s no such place? What does a twelfth century Irish knight, and Dante’s inferno got to tell us about hell? What exactly could Jesus have meant in speaking about a place, “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt.25:41)? When was such a place prepared and why? What does Matthew 25, and Jesus’ words about the sheep and goats, have to teach us about heaven, hell, and the afterlife if anything? 

In this second episode of our series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team encourage us to look at understandings and possible misunderstandings about hell. On this mini tour of ideas the team reflect upon the traditional idea of an immortal soul in a conscious state in eternity, and that of conditional immortality and the ultimate destruction of the soul in annihilationism. Tune in this week as the team agree and disagree over this vital issue

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

Hell as Endless Punishment - TheGospelCoalition.org

Biblical Arguments for Eternal Conscious Torment - TheologyInTheRaw.com

Will Hell Really Last Forever? - DesiringGod.org

What we’re reading?

David Pawson ― The Road To Hell

Edward W. Fudge & Robert A. Peterson ― Two Views of Hell

Various (Keller, Mohler, Packer, etc)― Is Hell For Real or Does Everyone Go To Heaven?

Steve Gregg ― All You Want to Know About Hell

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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The puritan John Owen offered three understandings of the extent of Christ’s atonement. Firstly that he died for all of the sin for all of the people. Second that he died for some of the sin of all of the people; or thirdly that Christ died for all of the sin for some of the people! 

In this opening episode of our new series ‘Take Another Look’, Pete and the Curious team encourage us to look at understandings that we may have assumed have always been understood in one particular way, and ask the question could it mean something very different? This week the team look at the extent of Christ’s atonement, pondering the question, was the intent of God in the death of his Son, to fully redeem all people without exception, from all sin without exception, for all time? And if so, what sin would therefore serve to eliminate anyone from eternal bliss with the Father? Tune in this week as the team agree and disagree over this vital question.

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

TULIP and Reformed Theology: Limited Atonement - Ligonier.org

Defending Definite Atonement - BannerOfTruth.org

What we’re reading?

Authors various ― From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective (The Doctrines of Grace)

John Owen ― The Death of Death in The Death of Christ (this link offers an updated version of this timeless classic in modern English… enjoy)

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What do we mean by the Spirit’s preservation? How sure can any believer really be that they will realise the great hope of salvation? How much is it down to us and how much does he intervene? Does our lack of perseverance cancel out his act of preservation? Is the ultimate preservation of the Spirit contingent on our faithfulness? How do we interpret the jeopardy of warnings against apostasy and backsliding? 

In this final episode of the present series ‘God’s Special Agent’, Pete and the Curious team take a deep dive into the delicate balance between assurance and caution, between perseverance and preservation. What is the Spirit's role? Can he? Does he override our weaknesses and faithlessness or is he contained by them? Tune in for what promises to be an insight into this delicate subject and a resounding conclusion to the series!

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

Final Perseverance - Spurgeon.org

Perseverance of the Saints - DesiringGod.org

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Can you be a believer if you’re not baptised in the Holy Spirit? Does the lack of the baptism experience impair your overall journey of faith? Does it impact on your relationship with God? How do we understand the Spirit’s baptism? Have the charismatics got it right? Where did the current thinking on the baptism of the Spirit originate from? How did a Methodist holiness movement, some 150 years ago, come to affect the way we see the Spirit’s baptism now? How did such significant movements, like that of the ‘Victorious Christian Life’, help shape today’s charismatic understanding? 

In this weeks episode Pete and the Curious team examine the historically controversial idea of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. How are we to understand the occurrences of Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19? Where do such experiences connect to today’s twenty-first-century church? How significant is the gift of ‘tongues’? Is it to be taken as the dominant initial evidence of Spirit baptism? All this and more will be talked over in this week's episode. Have fun!

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read/view and ponder…

What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? - DesiringGod.org

The Holy Spirit Bapsitm - A separate experience - BornOfSpirit.net

Spirit Baptism and Filling - YouTube

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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How are we to understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit; from the spectacular and unusual (words of wisdom and knowledge, healings, working of miracles, etc), to the more comparatively normal and ordinary (administrations, helps, mercy ministries, etc)? What does our quest for the Spirit’s gifts (or lack of), say about us? What or who are the gifts for, and for what purpose have they been given? 

In this week's episode, Pete and the Curious team examine the place and importance of the Spirit’s gifts. Together they tackle the critical question of cessationism alongside continuism. Are the gifts still relevant and operative for today, and why? They also take a run at the role of experience against scripture. Join the team in another thought-provoking episode 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

The Gifts of the Spirit - TheGospelCoalition.org

What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? - Christianity.com

What are Spiritual Gifts? - Crossroads.net

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What do we mean by ‘fruit’ of the Spirit? How is the Spirit’s fruit any different to the better characteristics of people without faith? Is fruit the essential character God leaves us to get on with and develop, or does he engage in the overall process, and through His Spirit enable us to be more like Christ? Is fruit production a partnership between us and the Spirit? Why is that some fruit appears to wither and die whilst others blossom?

In this weeks episode Pete and the Curious team examine the place and importance of the Spirit’s fruit. By looking at each individually, they define how they are different to an unbeliever simply living a morally good life. Join the team s they continue with their series on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What is the Fruit of the Spirit? - Christianity.com

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit - TabletalkMagazine.com

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Is it true that the the ancient Babylonians were the first to celebrate New Year some 4,000 years ago? And in March? Were the Romans responsible for marking New Year as January 1st? What does the Jewish rite of circumcision and the  18th century understanding of the covenant service, inspired by Wesley, got to do with New Year? And where did the idea of  resolutions come from, and do they really work?

In this weeks episode Pete and the Curious team take a look at the whole understanding and ritual that has become New Year. How have we arrived at resolutions, and are they an indication of the increasing secularisation of the whole Christmas season? Join the team in this episode who will unpack the place and value of resolutions and how we ought to reset our hearts and minds to a year of seeking God’s heart and will.

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Where did Christmas come from? Is it true that late night shopping was invented as far back as 1867? How did the Victorians influence our understanding of Christmas? And what exactly was a ‘blowout festival’? Did Oliver Cromwell really have a downer on Christmas? And is it true that the puritans actually sought to ban Christmas? Did Coca-Cola really invent Santa? And was Rudolph based on a real reindeer?

In this weeks episode the Curious team take a look at one of the worlds oldest festivals and asks the question “what’s it all about”? How does a Christian respond to the global commercialisation and the profit making machinery that has become Christmas? How do we connect simple faith into such an elaborate reconstruction of the first Christmas? And does it really matter? Join the team in reflecting on this important time of year.

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Is a holier life simply a matter of living your best life? Is it about trying to live as morally upright as possible? Or worst still, is it about trying our hardest to impress God, to gain His approval. 

What the bible has classically termed ‘sanctification’, has become something of a complexing issue to many Christians. Legalists and liberals alike have redefined it to either threaten or relieve the tension of personal holiness within albeit, a warped biblical framework. 

In this weeks episode the Curious team take a look at what the bible has to say about our growth in personal holiness. Taking a biblical framework, the team expound the idea of two states, two covenants, two forces and two governing principles that identify the Christian’s struggle, and how the grounding truth of the new principle of life within us not only secures great assurance, but also inspires great dedication and commitment. 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

Sanctification - Ligonier.org

Being Led and Transformed by the Holy Spirit - CSLewisInstitue.org

What is Sanctification? - Christianity.com

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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How do I know what God wants me to do? How can I be sure that my choices are in line with His? Can I ever truly know God’s will in any specific situation? 

One of the most perplexing issues that has dogged many Christians is their inability to discover what God's specific will may be for their lives at any given point. Questions like which job should I take? Which person should I marry? Where should I live? Or what should I invest in? etc. have caused perennial headaches (if not heartaches) for many believers. 

In this week's episode, the Curious team tries to unpack what it means to appreciate the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives. They reflect on the two levels of leading the New Testament maps out: the general, macro level alongside the specific, micro level. Avoiding the trap of assuming the Spirit’s leading to be some systemised formula, the team outline basic, biblically common-sense principles for discovering the Holy Spirit's leading. 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What does it mean to be led by The Spirit? - Christianity.org

Being led and transformed by The Holy Spirit - CSLewisInstitute.org

What does the Bible mean by led by The Spirit?

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Have you ever asked yourself as a Christian, “am I forgiven?”or “am I going to heaven?” or “does God love me?” or even “do I have eternal life?”―have you ever wondered whether you might be asking the wrong question? Is the validity of our Christian experience qualified purely on the basis of what we feel? And given the deceptive and fluctuating aspect of human emotion, will such an approach ever deliver the longed-for stability we desire? 

Is being a Christian only about having our sins forgiven and the slate wiped clean? Is the assurance of receiving anything more from God purely contingent on our making a success of this Christian life thing? How sure can we really be as to whether we’re truly forgiven, or whether God really does like us, or even whether we’re certain that we’ll make it in the end? 

In this fifth episode on our series on the Holy Spirt, Pete and the Curious team take a good look at what the bible means by defining our Christian experience as being united with Christ! How the Holy Spirit secures such a privilege, what it means for us as believers, and how it cements the greatest security for our lives and our futures. 

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

What is Union with Christ? - DesiringGod.org

Union with Christ - TheGospelCoalition.org

Union with Christ - CSLewisInstitude.org

Union with Christ - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?

We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What is the exact role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a person who comes to faith? How much of the experienced change is down to him? How much is it part of our human will? What exactly does the Holy Spirit do at a person's conversion? How much do we cooperate in this momentous inner change?

One of the most incredible yet controversial aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit is within what we might call the soteriological framework. How is it that the Holy Spirit changes a human life from ignorance and resistance to God, to a full and meaningful embracing of the truth? Is the transformation, or another word scripture employs, the regeneration, of the human heart a joint act between our accepting, and the Spirit’s working? Or is it something that the Holy Spirit works profoundly within us in and of himself?

In this fourth episode of our series on the Holy Spirit, Pete and the Curious team take a deep dive into the unusual and profound involvement of the Holy Spirit in transforming the human heart from Christ-resistant to Christ-embracing and following. How does the Spirit work, what does he do? Why is “born-again” the most succinct and meaningful definition of the Spirit’s work in the human heart? How is it that such a work cannot be produced by human learning or experience, but is uniquely and solely a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit Himself? This and more occupies the thoughts of the team in this week's episode.

Further Reading

We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conversion - DesiringGod.org

The Gracious Work of the Holy Spirit

Conviction and Conversion - EvangelicalTimes.org

What we’re reading?

Abraham Kuyper ― The Work of The Holy Spirit 

Sinclair B. Ferguson ― The Holy Spirit 

George Smeaton ― The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 

R. C. Sproul ― The Mystery of the Holy Spirit 

J. I. Packer ― Keep In Step With The Spirit 

John Owen ― The Holy Spirit (works vol.3)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious