Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg answers questions about how to make sense of the fact that God is immutable but also incarnate, thoughts on using mockery and satire in apologetics, “Get behind me, Satan,” interacting with a friend who talks about her lesbian relationship, and challenging a friend’s Catholicism.
 
Topics:

How do I make sense of the fact that God is immutable but also was incarnate? (00:00)

What are your thoughts on using mockery and satire in apologetics, given the examples of mockery in the Bible and the commands to be gentle and respectful? (09:00)

When Jesus says, “Get behind me, Satan!” in Matthew 16:23, is this just an expression? (22:00)

How should I respond to a friend on my sports team who talks to me about her lesbian relationship? (31:00)

Should I broach topics of transubstantiation and inclusivism with my Catholic friend, and how far off can one's theology be and still be following the real Jesus? (40:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

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The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield

Greg talks about West Hollywood legally recognizing multi-partner relationships, responds to a challenge that he can’t demonstrate the existence of a supernatural category via a legitimate methodology, and answers whether the three-day darkness in Exodus has something to do with Jesus.
 
Topics:

Commentary: The arguments for same-sex marriage were always going to lead to this. (00:00)

If you can’t demonstrate a supernatural category exists via a legitimate methodology, then you can’t claim God fits into that category and therefore can’t be investigated by science. (29:00)

Does the three-day darkness in Exodus have anything to do with Jesus? (45:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

California City Makes History Allowing Throuples, Foursomes to Legally Register as Partners by Marina Peña

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA

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Related Links:

“Love Is Love” Isn’t Enough by Amy Hall

Where’s the Marriage Equality for Throuples? by Amy Hall (on how the arguments for same-sex marriage could equally be applied to throuples)

Understand the Same-Sex Marriage Issue by Amy Hall

What Is Marriage from a Policy Perspective? by Amy Hall (Includes video of Ryan T. Anderson)

Greg answers questions about whether praying for miracles should be an integral part of evangelism, what to ask someone who thinks humans are born good, why Eve would listen to a talking snake, and whether all Reformed people must believe Jesus only died for the elect.
 
Topics:

Commentary: Should praying for miracles be an integral part of evangelism? (00:00)

What can I ask someone who thinks humans are born good to show him that he’s wrong? (25:00)

Why would Eve listen to a talking snake? (36:00)

The Bible seems to say Jesus died for all, and Romans 11 seems to indicate that “all” doesn’t just refer to the elect. Must Reformed people believe “all” refers to the elect? (44:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

Our Pain Has Meaning by Amy Hall (quoting Joni Eareckson Tada on not being willing to trade her wheelchair for anything)

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Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA

Related Links:

Making Sense of Unanswered Prayer by Amy Hall

We’re Not Good at Estimating Our Goodness by Amy Hall

Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Feeling That You Don’t Deserve Hell by Amy Hall

Greg encourages us to explain to others that Christianity is about an objective reality outside of us, then he talks to callers about how to remain hopeful even though we could potentially live through the tribulation, and what the Bible says about healing and our health problems.
 
Topics:

Commentary: Christianity is about an objective reality outside of us. (00:00)

How can I remain hopeful if I think I could potentially live through the tribulation? (23:00)

What does the Bible say about healing, and what should I be doing about my health problems? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

Iron Curtain Diary by Greg Koukl

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher

Interview: Rod Dreher – Live Not by Lies

Our Pain Has Meaning by Amy Hall (quoting Joni Eareckson Tada on not being willing to trade her wheelchair for anything)

Related Links:

The Rap on the Rapture by Greg Koukl

Christians, You Will Suffer by Amy Hall

The Rightful Place of Suffering in the Life of the Christian by Amy Hall

Meaningful Suffering by Amy Hall (quoting John Newton)

Decide Here and Now by Amy Hall (advice from a Christian who survived Communism)

A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada

Why It Isn’t Naïve to Trust God in Your Suffering by Amy Hall

Making Sense of Unanswered Prayer by Amy Hall

Greg talks about God’s wills and praying for his will to be done, then he answers questions about  citing the story of the rich man and Lazarus to someone who rejects Christianity because of unsaved loved ones who passed away, and whether Moses changes God’s mind in Numbers 14.
 
Topics:

Commentary: Thy will be done? (00:00)

Do you think it would be a good idea to cite the story about the rich man and Lazarus to someone who doesn’t want to become a Christian because their loved ones died without Jesus? (38:00)

Did Moses change Gods mind in Numbers 14, and if so, could we do the same? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

Fearless Prayer: Why We Don’t Ask and Why We Should by Craig Hazen

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA

Previous episode referenced by the caller: “How do I share the gospel with people who say they can’t accept Christianity because they had loved ones who died outside of Christ?” (starting at 49:00)