Snake on the Table

Jerry Dorris & Tanner Cartwright
  • 4.5 (16)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Reformation Church pastors, Jerry Dorris and Tanner Cartwright, hash out tough and often taboo topics.

  1. 2D AGO

    SNAKE 92: Should a Repentant Polygamist be Required to Divorce Any of His Wives?

    This discussion wrestles with one of the most challenging ethical questions facing the modern church: what should happen when a man with multiple wives comes to faith in Christ? Drawing from both Old and New Testament principles, we explore the tension between God's ideal design for marriage and the reality of messy human situations. The conversation examines the qualifications for church elders found in Timothy and Titus, noting that while these standards call for men to be 'husbands of one wife,' this doesn't necessarily mean we should force new believers in polygamous marriages to divorce all but one spouse. The key insight here is recognizing that marriage is a real covenant before God, even when it falls short of His original design. We see throughout Scripture that God works redemptively within imperfect situations without requiring us to compound sin with more sin. The discussion challenges us to think carefully about how we apply biblical principles in cross-cultural contexts and reminds us that protecting the vulnerable, particularly women who would be left destitute by forced divorce, must be part of our ethical calculus. This isn't about endorsing polygamy but about showing wisdom and compassion when dealing with the complex realities that arise when the gospel enters new cultures. Chapters Chapter 1: Introduction: The Question of Polygamy and Conversion 0:00 - 4:36 We explore the question of whether a man with multiple wives who converts to Christianity should divorce all but his first wife. Chapter 2: Biblical Foundations: Marriage as Real Covenant 4:36 - 10:38 We establish that marriage is a real covenant before God, even when it's not ideal, and that divorce is not the solution to polygamous situations. Chapter 3: Practical Implications: The Harm of Forced Divorce 10:38 - 18:20 We examine the devastating consequences for women who would be divorced in polygamous situations and why this constitutes a greater evil. Chapter 4: Theological Distinctions: Perpetual Sin and Marriage Legitimacy 18:20 - 21:50 We distinguish between the sin of entering a marriage and the legitimacy of the marriage itself, rejecting the idea of perpetual sin. Chapter 5: Cultural Context: Marriage, State, and Church Authority 21:50 - 24:47 We explore the relationship between state authority over marriage and God's definition of marriage, concluding with pastoral preparation for future challenges.

    25 min

  2. FEB 17

    SNAKE 91: Should We Pray Imprecatory Prayers in Corporate and Private Worship?

    This conversation challenges us to reconsider a neglected biblical practice: praying imprecatory prayers—prayers that call upon God to bring justice against the wicked. Drawing from the Psalms, we're reminded that Scripture itself contains numerous prayers asking God to judge evildoers, dash wickedness, and vindicate His people. These aren't prayers of personal vengeance but cries for divine justice when wickedness flourishes unchecked. The discussion centers on our responsibility to pray boldly for God's judgment against those in authority who promote evil—particularly leaders who advocate for the harm of children and blaspheme God's Word. We've grown uncomfortable with these biblical prayers because modern culture has softened our sensibilities, but the stakes are too high to remain silent. When leaders possess the power to influence millions toward wickedness, our prayers become one of the most powerful tools we have. The conversation invites us to examine whether the church's reluctance to pray this way has contributed to the flourishing of evil in our society. Perhaps God has answered our lack of prayer by allowing wickedness to continue. This is a call to return to the full counsel of Scripture, including those uncomfortable passages that remind us God is both loving and just, and that we should actively pray for His justice to prevail. Chapter 1: Introduction to Imprecatory Prayer We explore the biblical practice of imprecatory prayers and why the modern church has largely abandoned praying the Psalms, particularly those calling for God's judgment on the wicked. Chapter 2: The Case of Wicked Leadership We examine the specific case of a governor who blasphemes Scripture to justify wickedness, discussing why praying for God's judgment or removal of such leaders is biblically justified. Chapter 3: Private Prayer and Public Witness We discuss how imprecatory prayers should be part of our private devotional life and how the church's failure to pray this way has allowed wickedness to flourish in our culture. Chapter 4: Friend-Enemy Distinction and Cultural Hypocrisy We expose the hypocrisy of those who condemn imprecatory prayers against wicked leaders while celebrating violence against the righteous, highlighting the importance of proper friend-enemy distinction.

    25 min

  3. FEB 9

    SNAKE 90: Christ Is King Over the State! (James Baird Interview)

    This conversation challenges us to reconsider what true liberty actually means in a Christian context. We often think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we want, but the early American founders understood something profound: liberty is ordered toward righteousness. Real freedom isn't licentiousness—doing whatever feels good—but rather the freedom to do what is right and good for our communities. This ancient wisdom reminds us that when we use our liberty to pursue sin or harm our neighbors, we've actually abandoned true freedom. The cultural mandate given in Genesis calls us to subdue the earth, to bring order under Christ's lordship in every sphere of influence we inhabit. We can't coerce salvation—that's the Spirit's work—but we can and should work to create societies that make it easy to be godly and hard to be sinful. Every law legislates morality because every law either permits, requires, or prohibits certain behaviors. The question isn't whether we'll legislate morality, but whose morality will be legislated. As image-bearers of God living under the kingship of Christ, we're called to exercise our authority lovingly, creating order and promoting righteousness in our families, churches, and communities. This isn't Christian nationalism or fascism—it's simply recognizing that Christ is King over all creation, and we have a responsibility to honor that reality in how we live and govern. Chapter 1: Liberty Ordered Toward Righteousness 0:00 - 3:00 True liberty is ordered toward righteousness, not licentiousness, and Christians must maintain charity over matters of disagreement while upholding moral standards. Chapter 2: Reformed Baptist and Presbyterian Unity on Church and State 3:00 - 7:00 Despite denominational differences, Reformed Baptists and Presbyterians share common ground on the relationship between church autonomy and the state's moral obligations under Christ's kingship. Chapter 3: The Founders' Vision: Christianity as Essential to Liberty 7:00 - 12:00 America's founders believed that Christianity and morality were essential prerequisites for genuine liberty and republican government, implementing strict religious laws accordingly. Chapter 4: Legislating Morality and the Cultural Mandate 12:00 - 17:00 All legislation inherently legislates morality, and Christians should exercise dominion by establishing laws that reflect God's order and help people follow Christian principles outwardly.

    13 min

  4. FEB 3

    SNAKE 89: Can we love our families AND care about missions?

    In this powerful conversation with Alex Kocman, we're challenged to examine the tension between our natural loves and our supernatural calling as Christians. The discussion centers on a biblical principle found throughout Scripture: that grace doesn't erase nature, but perfects it. We see this in Acts 17, where God establishes the borders and dwelling places of peoples, yet also works through diasporas for His purposes. We're reminded of Christ's perfect example—He wept over Jerusalem and cared for His mother even while calling disciples to the ends of the earth. The core message asks us to reject false dichotomies: Can we love our families AND care about missions? Can we have natural affections for our own people while also loving our enemies as Christ commanded? The answer is a resounding yes. Paul's declaration that he would give up Christ for his brothers according to the flesh, even while serving as apostle to the Gentiles, shows us that biblical Christianity holds both truths in tension. We're called to be fruitful and multiply, to care for our homes and communities, while simultaneously obeying the Great Commission. This isn't complicated—it's simply walking in obedience to all of Scripture, not just the parts that fit our current cultural moment. Chapter 1: The Mission Crisis and America's Role 0:00 - 3:00 We explore how America's potential collapse would impact global missions and the historical pattern of missionary-sending nations requiring cultural stability and Christian presence. Chapter 2: Introducing Ordered Love: Reconciling Grace and Nature 3:00 - 7:00 We learn about the book 'Ordered Love' which addresses the false dichotomy between grace and nature, showing how we can care for home, nation, and missions simultaneously. Chapter 3: Immigration, Evangelism, and Cultural Consequences 7:00 - 11:00 We examine the tension between evangelistic opportunities presented by immigration and the negative consequences of cultural displacement, acknowledging both God's sovereignty and biblical warnings. Chapter 4: Adoption, Race, and Refusing False Categories 11:00 - 15:00 We hear about a transracial adoption that sparked internet controversy, revealing two equally wrong responses: racist hatred and pietistic virtue-signaling, both representing disordered love. Chapter 5: Christ's Example of Balanced Love 15:00 - 17:00 We see how Jesus perfectly balanced universal mission with particular love, caring for all nations while weeping over Jerusalem and ensuring his mother's care.

    21 min

  5. JAN 27

    SNAKE 88: Single Women Should Be Evaluating Trajectory

    In a culture that constantly feeds us unrealistic expectations about relationships and marriage, we need to recalibrate our thinking around what truly matters when seeking a spouse. This conversation challenges us to look beyond the polished, finished product and instead recognize trajectory—the direction someone is heading rather than where they currently stand. Just as Conor McGregor's wife stayed with him when he had nothing, recognizing his potential and drive, we're called to discern the character qualities that indicate future faithfulness: a love for the Lord, a commitment to provide and protect, and a willingness to work relentlessly for family. The wisdom here cuts against our instant-gratification culture that demands perfection now rather than partnership in growth. For young women especially, this means resisting the temptation to seek a 35-year-old's maturity in a 22-year-old's body, and instead asking: Does this person love God? Will they sacrifice for their family? Do they have drive and integrity? These questions matter far more than having every theological detail perfectly aligned or every career milestone already achieved. The path to a strong marriage begins with realistic expectations, trusted counsel from godly fathers and mentors, and the humility to recognize that both spouses will grow tremendously through the years of struggle and faithfulness that forge mature character. Chapter 1: The Problem of Unrealistic Expectations 0:00 - 7:00 Young women often look for finished products in men rather than recognizing potential and trajectory, leading to unrealistic expectations in the marriage pool. Chapter 2: Understanding Masculine Development and Trajectory 7:00 - 15:00 Men develop skills and maturity as they are needed, not decades in advance, and women should evaluate a man's drive and direction rather than his current completeness. Chapter 3: The Role of Fathers and Theological Minutiae 15:00 - 23:00 Fathers must help daughters evaluate potential husbands realistically, and women should avoid eliminating men over minor theological differences that shrink an already small marriage pool. Chapter 4: Preparing Daughters for Early Marriage 23:00 - 30:00 Parents should intentionally raise daughters to be ready for marriage by their mid-to-late teens, equipping them with household management skills and realistic expectations.

    40 min

  6. JAN 20

    SNAKE 87: What is a Sermon Session?

    In this episode of *Snake on the Table*, we explain and demonstrate what we call a **sermon session**—a weekly practice where recent preaching and teaching opportunities are brought to the table for honest, brotherly critique. Rather than tearing down, the goal is sharpening: evaluating faithfulness to the text, clarity of structure, theological precision, and pastoral effectiveness. This episode walks through feedback on open-air preaching, classroom teaching, and pulpit ministry, showing how sermons are refined outside the pulpit through thoughtful analysis, theological discussion, and disagreement handled in charity. *Chapters* *Chapter 1: Introduction to Sermon Session and Open Air Preaching Feedback* An explanation of the sermon session format, followed by feedback on recent open-air preaching, including observations on first-time preachers and the importance of publicly reading Scripture. *Chapter 2: Biblical Theology Lesson Feedback and Scriptural Connections* Critique of a biblical theology lesson spanning Genesis through Deuteronomy, highlighting covenantal continuity, narrative patterns, and poetic themes that point forward to a promised King. *Chapter 3: Jonah Sermon Feedback and the Progression of Sin* Evaluation of a sermon on Jonah chapter 1, focusing on how sin progresses from inward disposition to decisive action, mirrored by Jonah’s physical descent away from the presence of the Lord. *Chapter 4: Debating Jonah’s Death in the Fish* A substantive debate over whether Jonah literally died inside the fish, engaging questions of typology, poetic language, and Jesus’ own use of the Jonah narrative.

    50 min

  7. JAN 13

    SNAKE 86 Are Immigrants Neighbors or Invaders

    This discussion challenges us to wrestle with one of the most contentious issues of our time: immigration and national identity. At its core, we're confronted with a question that goes beyond politics—how do we balance our Christian call to love our neighbor with our responsibility to preserve our culture and protect our families? The conversation draws us to the parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that proximity creates responsibility. When someone is right in front of us with genuine need, regardless of their background, we're called to respond with compassion. Yet this doesn't negate our duty to advocate for just laws and the protection of our communities. We're invited to hold two truths simultaneously: we can oppose destructive immigration policies while still treating individuals with dignity. We can support enforcement of laws while sharing the gospel with those God has sovereignly placed in our path. The challenge is to avoid the twin dangers of either naive sentimentality that ignores real threats or bitter hatred that dehumanizes individuals. This requires spiritual maturity—the ability to be both wise as serpents and innocent as doves, to speak truth about systemic problems while extending grace in personal encounters. Chapters Chapter 1: The Current Immigration Crisis and Our Position We establish the urgent need for a complete immigration moratorium and discuss how decades of failed immigration policy have destroyed American social cohesion and culture. Chapter 2: Practical Solutions: Souring the American Dream We propose concrete policy changes including banning foreign ownership of land, prohibiting foreign employment, and establishing criteria for handling different categories of immigrants already present. Chapter 3: Christian Responsibility and the Neighbor Question We address how Christians can advocate for strict immigration enforcement while still showing biblical love and evangelizing those currently in proximity to us. Chapter 4: Local Action and Moving Forward We call for practical local action including stopping the employment of illegal workers, advocating for state-level immigration restrictions, and supporting politicians with the courage to enforce these policies.

    46 min

  8. JAN 6

    SNAKE 85: How to Motivate Your Husband to Lead Family Worship

    This conversation tackles one of the most practical yet spiritually significant aspects of Christian family life: establishing consistent rhythms of worship and Scripture reading in our homes. We're reminded that family worship doesn't need to be complicated or intimidating—it's not about creating elaborate liturgies or delivering seminary-level exposition to our children. Rather, it's about opening God's Word together, reading a psalm or a chapter, perhaps singing a hymn or the doxology, and praying as a family. The beauty lies in its simplicity and consistency, not its perfection. We learn that husbands may struggle with leading family worship due to fear of inadequacy or simply the exhaustion of modern life, but the encouragement here is clear: start small, use helpful resources like family worship guides, and remember that even five to ten minutes of Scripture and prayer can profoundly shape our children's spiritual formation. The discussion also beautifully addresses how wives can encourage their husbands in this area—not through criticism or nagging, but through genuine respect, affirmation of what they're doing right, and humble requests for partnership. When we prioritize gathering our families around God's Word, we're not just checking off a spiritual duty; we're creating a legacy of faith, building memories of warmth and joy around Scripture, and establishing that serving Christ together is the heartbeat of our homes.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Reformation Church pastors, Jerry Dorris and Tanner Cartwright, hash out tough and often taboo topics.

Information

  • Creator
    Jerry Dorris & Tanner Cartwright
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reformation Church
  • Show Website
    Snake on the Table

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