Unshaken: Chapter a Day

Pastor Plek

Pastor Chris Plekenpol and his guests explore the Bible together one chapter at a time. They offer practical insights, theological depth, and real-life applications. Dive in for engaging discussions that bring God’s Word to life, one chapter at a time!

  1. 23H AGO

    Romans 3 Discussion

    Send a text What if the most freeing truth is the one that first humbles you? We walk through Romans 3 and face the hard claim that no one is righteous—then discover why that diagnosis opens the door to joy. With a clear outline of the chapter, we unpack Paul’s Q&A method, the sweeping charge that Jew and Gentile alike are under sin, and the stunning pivot to a righteousness that comes apart from the law, witnessed by the law and prophets. We dig into the heart of the passage: Jesus as the propitiation, the wrath-appeasing sacrifice offered by God. Rather than sidestepping justice, the cross satisfies it, allowing God to remain just while declaring sinners righteous. Along the way, we address common objections, explore how the Old Testament looked forward to this moment, and show why stories like David’s only make sense when justice and mercy meet at Calvary. The result is a faith that levels our pride, silences boasting, and turns achievement into gratitude. From there, we get practical—naming the subtle ways we boast in heritage, habits, or performance, and replacing them with a living trust in Christ’s finished work. You’ll walk away with a richer grasp of key terms like justification, redemption, and imputation, and a renewed confidence that God’s faithfulness outlasts our failures. If you’ve ever wondered how grace can be truly free without making justice cheap, this conversation will steady your heart and sharpen your hope. If this helped you see Romans 3 with fresh eyes, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review telling us which insight changed your view of grace. Text us at 737-231-0605 with any questions.

    12 min
  2. 1D AGO

    Romans 2 Discussion

    Send a text Hypocrisy is easy. Integrity is costly. Walking through Romans 2, we confront the quiet ways we excuse ourselves while condemning others—and discover why God’s judgment is both perfectly fair and fiercely kind. We break down Paul’s flow: from God’s impartial justice, to the law written on the heart and the witness of conscience, to the emptiness of religious boasting, and finally to the true mark of belonging to God—a heart changed by the Spirit. Along the way, we challenge a common misconception: “God’s kindness leads to repentance” doesn’t mean soft-pedaling sin. Sometimes kindness is patient restraint; sometimes it’s a sharp alarm that calls us back to life. We also dig into a provocative claim: people without Scripture can still “do what the law requires,” because the moral law is inscribed on every human heart. That insight heightens responsibility rather than removing it, and it explains why a seared conscience is so dangerous. When we repeatedly ignore truth, our moral senses dull. Yet hope breaks in here too—faith in Jesus reorders everything. Outward signs and religious knowledge can’t save; living trust in Christ does, and that trust bears visible fruit over time. Not the hearers, but the doers, are justified—because genuine faith works through love and patient well-doing. Expect practical takeaways: confess the subtle forms of stealing and self-justification, correct others with humility after owning your own sin, and rest in God’s impartial judgment that shows no favoritism. We aim for clear, lived theology—truth that changes daily choices and renews desire for glory, honor, and immortality in Christ. If you’re hungry for a faith that is honest, courageous, and tender, this conversation will steady your step and soften your heart. If this resonated, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a thoughtful, hope-filled nudge toward real repentance and deeper joy. Text us at 737-231-0605 with any questions.

    15 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Romans 1 Discussion

    Send a text A single line from Romans can change a life: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation.” We take a clear-eyed walk through Romans 1 and ask what that claim means for real people, real cultures, and real sin. From Paul’s humble greeting and longing to visit Rome, to the thunderous contrast between natural revelation and the saving word of Christ, this conversation is about urgency, clarity, and hope. We unpack why creation’s witness leaves everyone without excuse while the gospel alone saves. That distinction fuels mission: if nature can condemn but cannot rescue, then preaching isn’t optional—it’s essential. We press into the hard parts too: God “giving people over” to impurity, dishonorable passions, and a debased mind; the long, disquieting list of sins that catch every heart; and the often-ignored danger of approving evil even when we don’t practice it. With pastoral honesty, we talk about moral courage in a culture that prefers soft edges, and we hold out mercy without trimming the truth. Along the way, we highlight Paul’s humility—an apostle seeking mutual encouragement—and the character of God as both righteous and loving. Wrath isn’t a divine outburst; it’s love’s settled stance against evil. The good news lands here: no matter how tangled your past or present, the gospel remains God’s power to save everyone who believes. We close with practical steps: examine your heart, repent where Scripture convicts, give thanks instead of grumbling, and memorize Romans 1:16 as a lifelong anchor. If this conversation sharpened your faith or sparked a new question, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs courage today. Text us at 737-231-0605 with any questions.

    17 min
  4. 3D AGO

    Acts 28 Discussion

    Send a text A shipwreck, a snakebite, and an unexpected revival on a remote island set the stage for one of the most grounded yet audacious chapters in early Christian history. We walk through Acts 28 with clear eyes: Paul shakes off a viper on Malta, heals the sick, and receives lavish hospitality from Publius, then journeys to Rome where the mission doesn’t slow—it sharpens. Instead of leading with spectacle, Paul opens the Scriptures and reasons from Moses and the prophets from morning to evening, showing why Jesus is the promised King. We dig into the power of details that read like field notes: the Alexandrian ship with twin gods, the stops at Syracuse and Rhegium, the encouragement of believers at Three Taverns, and the steady count of 276 survivors. These aren’t throwaway moments; they’re breadcrumbs of credibility that anchor faith in real time and place. Along the way, we wrestle with a hard truth: the same message that brings peace with God can divide hearers. Some believe and take courage. Others walk away. Paul quotes Isaiah to name the mystery of hardened hearts, reminding us that apologetics and patient persuasion are means God uses while grace opens eyes. Finally, we reflect on an unhindered gospel under house arrest. Paul’s guard may have doubled as protection, his rented home became a pulpit, and when he couldn’t go out, people came in. Sovereignty and hospitality, miracles and reason, courage and kindness—Acts 28 ties them together. If you’ve ever wondered whether your limits stall your calling, this story says otherwise: adapt, keep teaching Jesus with clarity, and trust God to bring the right people to your door. If this conversation strengthened your faith or sharpened your questions, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. What moment from Acts 28 grabbed you most? Text us at 737-231-0605 with any questions.

    20 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Pastor Chris Plekenpol and his guests explore the Bible together one chapter at a time. They offer practical insights, theological depth, and real-life applications. Dive in for engaging discussions that bring God’s Word to life, one chapter at a time!