Dazed & Confused. In this episode, we continue our series on The Bondage of the Will (1525), by Martin Luther. We read Dr. James Nestingen’s historical introduction to the treatise and delve into the ways two theologians differed in their exegesis of Scripture, their interpretation of Christian doctrine, and the early and medieval church-theological traditions that influenced Erasmus and Luther as they engaged in a back-and-forth.

In this episode, we begin our series commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s treatise, de Servo Arbitrio — The Bondage of the Will. We begin by reading Dr. Steven Paulson’s theological analysis of what’s at stake in Luther’s treatise, as well as its sharp-edged consequences for churches today. As it was received then, so it is now by dedicated students of this work: it cleaves those who seek Jesus plus philosophy, ideology, or personal interests from those who insist on Christ alone in all things relating to matters of salvation, faith, etc.

The Secret of My Success. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about success and the Christian life. How does one measure success? What about when we fail? Is that God’s will? How does the cross inform the Christian definition of success? This and much, much more on today’s Christian podcast!

Little Willy Plays in Duty. In this episode, we read Steven Paulson’s Outlaw God, discussing the appeal of the Law (in the abstract), why old Adam loves pretending he has free will, the Ninevite Conundrum, Jonah’s wormy preacher, and our obsession with placing therapy alongside Christ as a means of grace.

Just Answer the Question. In this episode, we answer listener questions, specifically active and passive choices, active and passive righteousness, election and the bondage of the will, addiction, the limits of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the ultimate Good we all seek, and much, much more.

Sermonator 2: Judgment Day. In this episode, we read two sermons from Gerhard Forde and Steven Paulson, then discuss preaching to bound wills, the consequences for Christians when free will sermons are preached, and what’s to be done about bad preaching.

A Total Eclipse of The Heart. In this episode, we discuss preaching to bound wills, and the consequences for both preachers and listeners, as we read Steven Paulson’s essay, Preaching Categorically to Bound Wills.

Riley Suffers An Aneurysm.  In this episode, we discuss the topic of the will while reading Anselm’s treatise on free will and its ramifications for faith, piety, and pastoral care.

Sometimes, the end is just the beginning. Gillespie and Riley conclude their reading of Martin Luther’s treatise on The Bondage of The Will. This episode, they discuss the relation of emotions to God’s Word and why Christians aren’t skeptics.

I’m sorry, but your opinion means very little to me. Gillespie and Riley start to wrap up their reading of Martin Luther’s Bondage of The Will with a discussion of the Bible’s clarity and why personal feelings and our need to find meaning in everything can hijack God’s Word.

What about the reality we left behind? Gillespie and Riley wrap up (but, not really) their series on Martin Luther's treatise on The Bondage of the Will. This episode, Erasmus and Luther butt heads about how to interpret Scripture. Luther lays out how he interprets Scripture, which will form the rest of his argument about the relation (or lack thereof) between free choice and salvation.

Free choice? It'll blow your mind and crush your soul. Gillespie and Riley start to wrap up their series on Martin Luther's treatise on The Bondage of the Will. This episode, what is free choice according to Erasmus? What's at stake in his argument for our ability to participate in our own salvation? Where does that leave God's Word and gifts?