Theology is Fun

Dr. Corey Abney & Dr. Ben Skaug

What do you get when two theologians walk into a podcast? A lot more fun than you'd expect. Whether you're a lifelong student of Scripture or just curious about the deeper stuff, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug will challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and prove once and for all that Theology is Fun.

  1. -1 J

    Did Jesus Really Descend Into Hell? (Apostles’ Creed Explained)

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle one of the most debated and mysterious phrases in Christian theology: the line in the Apostles’ Creed that says “He descended into hell.” What does that statement actually mean—and is it even biblical? Recorded during Easter weekend, Corey and Ben explore the question of what happened between Good Friday and Easter morning. While Scripture clearly tells us that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, Christians throughout history have wrestled with what Jesus was doing during those three days. As they walk through several key passages—including 1 Peter 3, Acts 2, Psalm 16, and Ephesians 4—they unpack the historical interpretations surrounding Christ’s “descent.” Did Jesus proclaim victory over the powers of darkness? Did He enter the realm of the dead to demonstrate the reality of His death? Or does the phrase simply refer to the suffering He endured on the cross? Along the way, the conversation dives into early church history, the development of the Apostles’ Creed, and the distinction between biblical authority and helpful theological summaries. Corey and Ben also discuss the important difference between Hades and Gehenna, why Jesus’ suffering was fully completed on the cross, and why Christians can debate this issue while still agreeing on the central truth of the resurrection. Together they discuss: What the phrase “He descended into hell” in the Apostles’ Creed actually meansThe biblical passages that shape this debate (1 Peter 3, Acts 2, Psalm 16, Ephesians 4)The difference between Hades, Sheol, and Gehenna in ScriptureThe three major theological views about what Jesus did between His death and resurrectionWhy Jesus’ suffering was fully completed on the crossHow early Christians wrestled with difficult passages about spirits in prisonWhy the resurrection—not the descent—is the central hope of the gospel While Christians may disagree about the details of those three mysterious days, the core message remains the same: Jesus truly died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, defeating sin, death, and Satan once and for all. Key theme: What Happened Between Good Friday and Easter? 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

    30 min
  2. 1 AVR.

    The True Meaning of Palm Sunday

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben turn their attention to Holy Week and the powerful meaning behind Palm Sunday. While many people associate Palm Sunday with palm branches and children’s processions, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is actually a profound theological moment that sets the stage for everything that follows in Holy Week. As they walk through the biblical account, Corey and Ben explore why all four Gospel writers highlight this event and what it reveals about Jesus’ identity. Palm Sunday isn’t simply a symbolic celebration—it is a public declaration that Jesus is the promised King of Israel, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the true King of Kings. Together they discuss: Why the triumphal entry is such a significant moment in the GospelsHow Jesus fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and KingThe Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled as Jesus enters JerusalemWhy Jesus previously told people not to reveal His identityWhat Palm Sunday reveals about Christ’s kingship and missionWhy every human heart ultimately longs for a king, a kingdom, and a cause Rather than being just a prelude to Easter, Palm Sunday marks the moment when Jesus publicly declares who He truly is before heading to the cross. Holy Week begins with a king entering His city—and it points forward to the day when Christ will return again in triumph. Key theme: The Triumphal Entry and the Kingship of Christ 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

    27 min
  3. 25 MARS

    Is the Secret Rapture Even in the Bible?

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben continue their discussion of Matthew 24 and Jesus’ teaching on the end times. After celebrating their 50th episode (and a memorable gift from Mama Lois), the conversation turns to one of the most debated questions in Christian theology: What did Jesus actually mean when He said “one will be taken and one left”? Many Christians have heard this passage used to describe a secret rapture, but is that what Jesus intended? By walking carefully through the text, Corey and Ben examine the context of Jesus’ words and compare them to the days of Noah, uncovering a surprising insight that challenges popular interpretations. Together they explore: What Jesus meant by “no one knows the day or the hour”Why the comparison to the days of Noah is so importantWhether Matthew 24 is actually describing a secret raptureWho the ones “taken” really are in Jesus’ exampleWhy Christians should be cautious about date-setting and sensational prophecy claimsThe real point of Jesus’ teaching: living in faithful readiness Rather than fueling speculation about timelines or charts, this passage calls believers to something much simpler—and much more challenging: be alert, be faithful, and be ready for Christ’s return. Key passage: Matthew 24 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram - instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram - instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church - instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

    25 min
  4. 19 MARS

    Is the Iran War a Sign of the End Times?

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle a question that resurfaces every time there’s global conflict: Is this war a sign of the end times? What begins with lighthearted jokes about iPads, “Megadesk,” and the temptation to sound authoritative with a screen quickly turns into a serious and needed conversation about how Christians should think about current events—especially wars in the Middle East—in light of Scripture. Instead of chasing headlines or popular predictions, they go straight to Matthew 24 to examine what Jesus actually said about wars, tribulation, and His return. Together they explore: - Why Christians often try to connect every major conflict to the end times - What Jesus meant by “wars and rumors of wars” and “labor pains” - Why interpreting Scripture through current events can be misleading—and even dangerous - The difference between political “peace” and biblical shalom - How persecution, suffering, and tribulation have always been part of life in a fallen world - What Jesus teaches about His second coming—and why it won’t be secret or missed - Why believers should live with expectancy, not fear Along the way, they challenge common assumptions about end-times teaching, question the influence of sensational predictions, and emphasize the importance of letting Scripture interpret reality—not the other way around. Key passage: Matthew 24 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

    29 min
  5. 11 MARS

    The ‘House of God’ Doesn’t Mean What Most Christians Think

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle a question many Christians have heard for years: Is the church building really the “house of God”? What begins with lighthearted jokes about church dress codes, altars, and Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses quickly turns into a rich theological conversation about the tabernacle, the temple, and how all of it ultimately points to Jesus Christ. Together they explore: Why do many Christians still use Old Covenant language when talking about church buildingsHow the tabernacle and temple functioned as types and shadows in the Old TestamentThe significance of Mount Sinai, Mount Moriah, and the biblical theology of mountainsHow the sacrificial system and temple layout pointed forward to ChristWhy Jesus declared, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days”What it means that believers themselves are now the dwelling place of God’s Spirit Along the way, they discuss typology, the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, and why understanding Christ as the fulfillment of the temple helps clarify how we think about worship, church buildings, and the people of God today. If you’ve ever wondered: Is the church building actually the house of God?Why do churches use words like sanctuary, altar, and house of the Lord?What did the tabernacle and temple really symbolize?How does Jesus fulfill the temple in the New Covenant?What does it mean that believers are now the temple of God? —this episode is for you. Key passages: Exodus 19–24, 1 Kings 8, John 2, Colossians 1, Hebrews 8–10, Revelation 21 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #ChristianPodcast #TheologyIsFun #BiblicalTheology #TempleTheology #JesusIsTheTemple #ChurchAndTheBible #BibleTeaching #ScriptureOverCulture #BellShoals

    32 min
  6. 4 MARS

    Are There Multiple Ways to God?

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Ben is joined by special guest Pastor Stephen Stayton to explore Jesus’ powerful statement in John 14: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” What begins with jokes about mansions in heaven, Cowboys fans, and wedding customs in the ancient world quickly turns into a deep theological conversation about salvation, the uniqueness of Christ, and why Jesus alone can reconcile sinners to God. Together they unpack: What Jesus meant when He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life”Why the phrase “many rooms” in John 14 doesn’t mean personal mansions in heavenHow the story of Noah and the ark points forward to Christ as the only way through judgmentWhy no human being—not Noah, Moses, or David—can save anyone elseWhat the hypostatic union means and why Jesus must be both fully God and fully manHow the Great Exchange in 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains our salvation Along the way, they discuss biblical typology, the problem of human righteousness, why Christ’s obedience is infinitely sufficient, and how the cross makes a way for sinners to dwell with God forever. Key passages: John 14, Genesis 6–9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 2:5–11, Psalm 22 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram - instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram - instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #ChristianPodcast #TheologyIsFun #BibleTeaching #John14 #IAmTheWay #BiblicalTheology #ScriptureOverCulture #BellShoals #JesusIsTheWay

    35 min
  7. 25 FÉVR.

    Why Jesus Called Himself the Bread of Life

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore Jesus’ powerful statement in John 6: “I am the bread of life.” What begins with jokes about cereal, breadsticks, and wilderness diets quickly turns into a deep theological discussion tracing this claim all the way back to Genesis, the Garden of Eden, the Exodus narrative, and the manna in the wilderness. Together they unpack: Why hunger exists in the biblical storylineHow Adam’s fall changed humanity’s relationship to provision and creationWhy the Exodus is a type pointing forward to ChristWhat the manna in Exodus 16 teaches about daily dependence on GodHow Jesus redefines “bread from heaven” and applies it to HimselfThe connection between the Bread of Life, the Lord’s Prayer, and eternal rest Along the way, they discuss typology, the wilderness motif, the “already and not yet” of the Christian life, and how Christ sustains His people until He returns—or calls us home. If you’ve ever wondered: Why Jesus’ Bread of Life statement shocked His listenersHow the Old Testament prepares us for John 6What it means to rely on God for “daily bread” todayHow the Exodus points to salvation in Christ —this episode is for you. Key passages: John 6, Exodus 16, Genesis 3, Deuteronomy 18, 1 Corinthians 10 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What stood out most to you about Jesus as the true bread from heaven? 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram - instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram - instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church - instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #ChristianPodcast #TheologyIsFun #BibleTeaching #ChurchLeadership #john6 #BiblicalTheology #ScriptureOverCulture #BellShoals #truebread

    30 min
  8. 18 FÉVR.

    The Good Shepherd Claim Almost Got Jesus Killed

    In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle one of the most misunderstood—and dangerous—statements Jesus ever made: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Most Christians hear “Good Shepherd” and think comfort, care, and tenderness. But in John 10, Jesus’ audience heard something very different. His claim sparked division, accusations of demon possession, and ultimately an attempt to stone Him. Why? In this episode, we show how Jesus’ “Good Shepherd” claim is rooted deeply in the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel 34 and 2 Samuel 5, where “shepherd” is not a sentimental image—but a royal and divine title. We trace how shepherd language becomes king language, how God promises to shepherd His people Himself, and how Jesus fulfills those promises as both David’s Son and God in the flesh. This isn’t a feel-good metaphor. It’s a claim to the throne, a declaration of divinity, and a fulfillment of covenant promises that shook Jesus’ contemporaries to their core. If you’ve ever wondered: Why Jesus’ words provoked such violent reactionsWhat the “Good Shepherd” actually means in its biblical contextHow John 10 connects to Ezekiel, David, and the Davidic covenant —this episode is for you. Key passages: John 10, Ezekiel 34, 2 Samuel 5, Psalm 23 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: Did you ever realize the “Good Shepherd” claim was this explosive? 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot

    33 min

À propos

What do you get when two theologians walk into a podcast? A lot more fun than you'd expect. Whether you're a lifelong student of Scripture or just curious about the deeper stuff, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug will challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and prove once and for all that Theology is Fun.

Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi