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. 6d ago

    4 Theologians Every Christian Should Know

    How did a bishop, a former skeptic, a monk, and a bookworm help shape the way you understand God today? You may have never read their books—or even heard their names—but Athanasius, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin helped shape conversations Christians still have about Jesus, sin, salvation, and Scripture. So, why should their stories matter to us? In this episode, Dr. Ben is joined by guest host Patrick to explore four of his favorite theologians. They discuss Athanasius’s defense of Christ’s divinity, Augustine’s understanding of humanity’s fallen nature, Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith alone, and Calvin’s approach to understanding theology and seeing Christ throughout Scripture. So, how can learning from these theologians deepen our understanding of the Bible—and how do we appreciate their contributions while keeping Scripture as our final authority? Discover: Why church history matters for understanding theology todayHow to learn from theologians without agreeing with everything they taughtHow Athanasius defended the divinity of JesusWhat Augustine’s disagreement with Pelagius reveals about sin and human natureWhy Martin Luther emphasized Scripture alone and justification by faith aloneHow John Calvin helped organize theology and highlight Christ throughout ScriptureWhere to start if you want to learn more about these influential thinkers Key Passages: Romans 1 • Romans 6–8 • Colossians 1 • Hebrews 1:1–3 • Philippians 2 Church history reminds us that we aren’t the first people to ask difficult questions about God. Dr. Ben and Patrick explain how learning from those who came before us can sharpen our understanding of Scripture, help us recognize theological errors, and deepen our appreciation for the truth of the gospel. Resources to Explore: R.C. Sproul’s Heroes of the Christian Faith series from Ligonier Ministries: Explore the series Learn about Athanasius: Athanasius with R.C. Sproul Learn about Augustine: Augustine with R.C. Sproul Learn about Martin Luther: Martin Luther, Part 1, with R.C. Sproul Learn about John Calvin: John Calvin with R.C. Sproul 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Follow Corey Abney on Instagram Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram Learn more about Bell Shoals Church Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney #TheologyIsFun #ChurchHistory #Athanasius #Augustine #MartinLuther #JohnCalvin #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  2. Oct 21

    Why Did God Test Abraham? The Meaning of Isaac’s Sacrifice

    Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac—and how does this story point to Jesus? God promised Abraham a son, and despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age, Isaac was born. Yet God then asked Abraham to offer that same son as a sacrifice. How could God’s promise continue through Isaac if Isaac died? And what gave Abraham the faith to obey? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. They explain Abraham’s belief that God could raise his son from the dead, discuss the significance of the ram provided in Isaac’s place, and trace the connections between Isaac, the Passover, and Jesus as the Lamb of God. So, why was Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac—and what can his story teach us about faith, God’s provision, and the price of our redemption? Discover: How Isaac’s miraculous birth reveals God’s faithfulnessWhy God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice IsaacWhat Hebrews 11 reveals about Abraham’s faith in resurrectionWhy Abraham told his servants that both he and Isaac would returnHow the ram provided in Isaac’s place points toward a greater sacrificeHow the Passover connects to Jesus as the Lamb of GodHow baptism and the Lord’s Supper connect to Old Testament promises Key Passages: Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 22:1–14 • Exodus 12 • Hebrews 11:17–19 • John 1:29 • John 3:16 Abraham and Isaac’s story raises difficult questions about faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why this account must be understood within God’s unfolding plan of redemption—and how God’s promise to provide ultimately points to Jesus Christ. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram https://instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram https://instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church https://instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #Abraham #Isaac #LambOfGod #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  3. Oct 14

    What Happens When We Take God’s Promises Into Our Own Hands?

    Why did God bless Ishmael—and yet choose Isaac as the son of promise? God promised Abraham a son, but as the years passed, Abraham and Sarah struggled to see how that promise could be fulfilled. Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Yet God made clear that His covenant would continue through Isaac. What does that distinction tell us about faith and God’s promises? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael. They explain the difference between earthly blessing and covenant blessing, consider Paul’s comparison of Ishmael and Isaac, and discuss their perspective on the spiritual roots of tension in the Middle East. So, was Ishmael saved—and what can his story teach us about trusting God rather than taking matters into our own hands? Discover: Why Sarah gave Hagar to AbrahamHow Abraham and Sarah tried to fulfill God’s promise themselvesHow God cared for Hagar and blessed IshmaelWhy Ishmael was not the son of promiseHow Paul contrasts Ishmael and Isaac in GalatiansWhy the hosts distinguish earthly blessing from saving faithWhat this story teaches us about waiting on God’s timing Key Passages: Genesis 16–17 • Genesis 21 • Galatians 3–4 Ishmael’s story raises difficult questions about blessing, faith, and the consequences of disobedience. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why receiving earthly blessings is different from belonging to God’s covenant people—and how God’s promise to Abraham ultimately points to Jesus Christ. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram https://instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram https://instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church https://instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #Ishmael #Abraham #Isaac #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  4. Oct 7

    Was Lot Really Righteous? Understanding His Story in Sodom and Gomorrah

    Why does the Bible call Lot righteous—and how do we reconcile that with his troubling choices? Lot lived in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness, and his own story includes decisions that are difficult to understand. Yet 2 Peter 2:7–8 calls him righteous and describes how the lawless deeds around him tormented his soul. What does that tell us about his faith? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Lot and explain why being counted righteous doesn’t mean someone always makes righteous choices. They consider what Scripture reveals about his life, why Peter’s description matters, and how the limited details we have should shape our interpretation. So, was Lot a believer—and what can his story teach us about faith, righteousness, and failure? Discover: Why Peter describes Lot as righteousWhat Lot’s distress over sin reveals about his faithWhy believers can still make unrighteous choicesHow 2 Peter helps us understand Lot’s story in GenesisWhy we should be careful when drawing conclusions from limited biblical detailsWhat God’s rescue of Lot reveals about His judgment and mercy Key Passages: Genesis 18–19 • 2 Peter 2:6–9 Lot’s story raises difficult questions about the relationship between faith and behavior. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why his failures must be considered alongside Scripture’s description of his righteousness—and why being saved by God’s grace does not mean living without failure. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram https://instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram https://instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church https://instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #Lot #SodomAndGomorrah #Righteousness #GodsGrace #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  5. Sep 30

    How Were People Saved in the Old Testament?

    How were people saved before Jesus came to earth—and could Abraham actually be called a Christian? Abraham believed God, and his faith was counted as righteousness. But how could he be saved through Jesus when Christ’s death and resurrection were still centuries away? Were Old Testament believers saved by keeping the law, offering sacrifices, or trusting in the Messiah God had promised? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore salvation in the Old Testament and explain why there has always been one way to be saved. They examine Abraham’s faith, God’s eternal plan of redemption, and the work of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost. They also discuss why the sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus rather than providing salvation on its own. So, were Abraham, Moses, and David saved differently—or did they trust the same Savior we do today? Discover: How people were saved in the Old TestamentWhy Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben describe Abraham as a ChristianWhat it means that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousnessHow Old Testament believers trusted in the promised MessiahWhy animal sacrifices could never take away sinHow the Holy Spirit worked in believers before PentecostWhat changed with the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant Key Passages: Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 15:6 • Romans 4:17–21 • Galatians 3:8 • John 8:56 • Hebrews 11:8–16 • John 4:21–24 • Psalm 50 The question of salvation before Jesus points to the unity of God’s redemptive plan. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain how Old Testament believers looked forward to the promised Messiah, while believers today look back to His finished work—the same Savior at the center of both. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100 Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb Follow Corey Abney on Instagram https://instagram.com/corey.abney Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram https://instagram.com/ben.skaug Learn more about Bell Shoals Church https://instagram.com/bellshoals Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #OldTestament #Salvation #Abraham #JesusChrist #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  6. Sep 23

    Melchizedek: A Man, an Angel, or Jesus?

    Was Melchizedek a mysterious king and priest—or was he actually an appearance of Jesus before His birth? Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14, where he blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils. Yet centuries later, Psalm 110 and the book of Hebrews return to him to explain something essential about Jesus. Why does this seemingly minor figure matter so much? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben examine the different views of Melchizedek, including the idea that he was a preincarnate appearance of Christ. They look at his missing genealogy, his roles as both king and priest, and the way Hebrews uses his encounter with Abraham to show that Jesus belongs to a greater and lasting priesthood. So, was Melchizedek Jesus—or was he a real person whose life pointed forward to Him? Discover: Who Melchizedek was in Genesis 14Why Abraham gave him a tenth of the spoilsWhat Hebrews means when it says he had no recorded father, mother, or genealogyWhether Melchizedek could have been an appearance of JesusWhy his priesthood matters more than the Levitical priesthoodHow Melchizedek points to Jesus as both King and PriestWhether the bread and wine in Genesis 14 point forward to the Lord’s Supper Key Passages: Genesis 14:18–20 • Psalm 110:4 • Hebrews 5:5–10 • Hebrews 6:19–20 • Hebrews 7 The mystery of Melchizedek leads to a bigger question: What does his story reveal about Jesus? Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why Hebrews looks back to this ancient king and priest to help us understand Christ’s eternal priesthood. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 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://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #Melchizedek #JesusChrist #Hebrews7 #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

  7. Sep 16

    You’ve Been Reading David and Goliath Wrong

    Is David and Goliath really a story about facing the “giants” in your life? It’s one of the most familiar stories in the Bible—and one of the most common applications is simple: Be like David. Have courage. Trust God. Grab your five smooth stones and go defeat your giant. But is that actually the point of 1 Samuel 17? In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take a closer look at David and Goliath and the larger biblical story surrounding this famous battle. They unpack the failure of Saul, the anointing of David, and why David’s victory over Goliath is about much more than overcoming obstacles. They also trace the imagery of the victorious champion back to Genesis 3:15 and forward to Jesus Christ—the greater King who ultimately defeats sin, death, and Satan. So, are you supposed to see yourself as David—or is David pointing us to someone greater? Discover: Why David and Goliath isn’t primarily about “facing your giants”Why Israel wanted a king—and what went wrong with SaulThe significance of David being God’s anointed kingHow David’s victory connects to the promise of Genesis 3:15Why crushing Goliath’s head matters to the larger biblical storyHow David, Samson, and Solomon point forward to ChristWhy Jesus is the greater King and ultimate ChampionHow the story of David and Goliath should actually shape the way Christians face trials Key Passages: 1 Samuel 8 • 1 Samuel 16–17 • Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 49 • Judges 16 • 2 Samuel 7 • Matthew 3–4 The point of David and Goliath isn’t that you need to become David and defeat every giant in your life. It’s that we can trust the God who keeps His promises—and the Champion He has provided for His people. 👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun). 🎧 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://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot #TheologyIsFun #DavidAndGoliath #JesusChrist #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #BiblicalTheology

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

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.

You Might Also Like