Episodios

  • Made in His Image: Exploring Biblical Gender
    Mar 15 2025

    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/

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    22 m
  • Small Doesn’t Equal Unhealthy: Rethinking Church Size
    Feb 28 2025

    Are big churches necessarily healthy? In our latest episode, we explore the complex relationship between church size and spiritual vitality, challenging the widely-held belief that larger congregations automatically reflect greater health. Join hosts Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns as they engage in thought-provoking discussions about the true markers of a healthy church.

    We delve deep into the critical elements of church health, emphasizing the importance of a robust foundation in Scripture. With references to influential thinkers like Mark Dever, we explore how expository preaching and active engagement in the Great Commission play vital roles in nurturing a spiritually vibrant community. Moreover, we highlight real-world examples showcasing diverse expressions of church health that transcend mere attendance figures.

    Listeners are invited to consider pressing questions: What does a healthy church look like, and how can we measure ministry success beyond numbers? Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, we aim to equip church leaders and members with tools to cultivate environments that prioritize genuine community and spiritual growth.

    This episode is filled with valuable insights for anyone invested in church health, from leaders and pastors to dedicated church members. Take part in this enlightening journey and reflect on your own church community's vibrancy. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us spread the word!

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

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    22 m
  • Examining DEI Through a Biblical Lens: Unity, Division, and Scriptural Alignment
    Feb 15 2025

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are buzzwords that dominate contemporary discourse, yet their implications and origins often remain unexplored. Join us as we host Travis Kearns, trustee at the Baptist Courier, to shed light on DEI through a biblical perspective. Challenging the conventional wisdom of DEI's Marxist roots, we explore how its focus on equal outcomes may diverge from the Christian principles of merit and opportunity. Our conversation also delves into the political landscape, reflecting on significant actions like President Trump's executive order against DEI programs, and questions how such cultural ideologies could potentially contradict biblical teachings.

    Turning our focus to unity in faith, we discuss the importance of spiritual gifts over external characteristics like ethnicity or social status. By referencing biblical texts such as Revelation 5-9 and Romans 12, we highlight the potential for DEI principles to inadvertently sow division rather than foster unity within the church. Drawing from Ephesians 2, we underscore the biblical ideal that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, advocating for church practices that truly reflect this unity. This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of how contemporary ideas align—or conflict—with Scripture, encouraging a robust and faith-centered approach to modern challenges.

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

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    23 m
  • Unlocking the Bible's Cohesive Narrative
    Jan 31 2025

    Ever wonder why certain books of the Bible, like Leviticus and Numbers, seem daunting and irrelevant? Join me, Jeff Robinson, as I unravel this mystery through the lens of Luke 24, exploring how Jesus' resurrection provides a fresh perspective on these challenging texts. This episode promises to illuminate the significance of Christ's resurrection and how it can transform your reading of the Bible into a cohesive, hope-filled narrative. Let's journey together to understand why these ancient texts matter deeply to our Christian faith.

    Throughout history, Jesus Christ has been the central figure that both the Old and New Testaments point to, and in this episode, we uncover how the entire Bible serves as a unified narrative centered around Him. We'll explore the profound connections between the law, prophets, writings, and the redemptive work of Jesus, including the significance of events like the Passover. By understanding these connections, you'll gain new insights into the consistent message of salvation woven throughout the scriptures and see how even the most obscure passages can come alive with meaning.

    Engage with us as we challenge common interpretations of Scripture and encourage a God-centered reading that emphasizes the Bible's overarching redemptive narrative. Discover how this perspective answers fundamental worldview questions and shifts our focus from merely personal application to the historical unfolding of God's plan. I invite you to connect with us through Baptist Courier Ministries, where we aim to inspire and inform, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Bible's relevance to your life and faith.

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

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    26 m
  • Balancing Faith and Fandom: Exploring Sports as Gifts and Idols
    Jan 15 2025

    What happens when the thrill of a last-minute touchdown crosses paths with the teachings of faith? Join us in an enlightening discussion featuring Brian Payne, lead pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church and former University of Alabama football player. Together with Travis Kearns and me, Jeff Robinson, we reflect on Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia's recent playoff exits and what they reveal about the fascinating intersection of sports and Christianity. You'll hear personal stories, like Travis's Clemson devotion shining through his orange wedding band, and how each of us finds our sports passion reflecting in our spiritual journey.

    Our conversation goes beyond the surface, tackling the dual nature of sports as both divine gifts and potential idols. Drawing insights from historical figures like Thomas Aquinas and the reformers, we examine how the church's views on sports have transformed over the decades. Brian shares his personal odyssey from the football field to the pulpit, highlighting the delicate balance between fostering discipline and avoiding idolatry. We unpack the idea of being good stewards of our talents and time, emphasizing how to maintain harmony between our love for sports and our faith in God.

    As we journey through the life lessons sports offer, particularly through baseball, we explore how failure and perseverance form cornerstones of both athletic and spiritual growth. These stories of mental toughness and resilience serve as metaphors for our Christian walk. We ponder the cultural implications of sports, urging listeners to seek identity in faith rather than athletic success. To wrap up, we hint at exciting developments at Courier Publishing, including upcoming books on the Doctrine of Perseverance and Mormonism, inviting you to connect with us for more insights and inspiration.

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

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    23 m
  • The Complex Path to Restoring Fallen Pastors: Accountability, Grace, and Redemption
    Nov 30 2024

    What happens when a pastor experiences moral failure? Can redemption pave the way for a return to leadership, or is the path to restoration much more complex? Join us as we, along with co-host Travis Kearns, tackle these pressing questions, exploring the delicate balance between accountability and grace within church leadership. Drawing from Jonathan Lehman's insights and our own experiences, we navigate the distinctions between restoring someone to church membership versus a pastoral office. Discover how the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy guide these challenging decisions, and consider the profound implications of church discipline on personal and professional restoration.

    The conversation doesn't end there. We scrutinize the ongoing challenge of upholding moral integrity in ministry, questioning whether certain transgressions, like adultery, should permanently disqualify someone from pastoral leadership. Can a fallen pastor, post-restoration, offer unique empathy to others in similar situations? We also invite South Carolina Baptists to engage with us by sending questions for future episodes, ensuring our content remains relevant and enriching. Stay informed and inspired as we explore these critical topics, and look forward to insightful discussions in our upcoming episodes.

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

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    24 m
  • The Enduring Impact of Reformation Day on Modern Faith and Theology
    Oct 31 2024

    Explore the transformative legacy of Reformation Day with us and our distinguished guest, Dr. Walter Johnson, a seasoned expert in church history and theology. Discover how the monumental events sparked by Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517 continue to shape modern faith and emphasize the importance of returning to biblical authority. Through engaging discussions, we reflect on the profound reactions of students encountering historical figures like John Bunyan and Jonathan Edwards, underscoring the enduring influence of Reformation principles on contemporary religious thought.

    We also tackle the necessity of engaging with differing theological views, especially in an era rife with misinformation. Highlighting the misconceptions surrounding figures like John Calvin and Martin Luther, we stress the importance of reading primary sources to foster a clearer understanding of theological positions. These insights set the stage for a broader conversation about the Reformation's lasting impact on Protestant beliefs and its relevance to current issues, including the role of Christian citizenship in light of the upcoming presidential election. This episode promises a deeper appreciation for the historical milestones that continue to guide our faith journey today.

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

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    27 m
  • Navigating the Abortion Debate from a Christian Perspective
    Aug 31 2024

    Is the current abortion debate in America a reflection of the sexual revolution's consequences? Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns invite you to explore this provocative question as they dive into the ethical and political complexities of abortion from a Christian perspective. Sparking from William McGurn's eye-opening editorial in the Wall Street Journal, we dissect the dramatic shift from a predominantly pro-life stance to a more prevalent pro-choice sentiment nationwide. This discussion transcends the typical narratives of women's health care and reproductive justice, focusing instead on the moral responsibilities that accompany sexual activity and the potential creation of human life. We also take a critical look at an opinion piece from Baptist News Global, challenging its scriptural interpretation that suggests Christian support for reproductive justice and abortion access.

    In a political landscape increasingly dominated by pro-choice rhetoric, how do Christians navigate their advocacy for the protection of innocent life? This episode delves into the challenges faced by Christians in a predominantly pro-choice environment, emphasizing the importance of political engagement, strategic voting, and unwavering support for pro-life organizations. Join us as we underscore the necessity of sharing the gospel message to inspire true spiritual transformation, recognizing that real change begins with the heart. Despite the daunting reality of being the minority, we discuss the imperative of standing firm in our beliefs, advocating for truth, and remaining a vocal force in the quest to protect life.

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

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    23 m