The Good Doctrine

Kyle W. Bagwell

5.0 (3)
Christianity
Weekly

The Good Doctrine with Kyle Bagwell, PhD, helps Christians think clearly, believe boldly, and live faithfully. Dr. Bagwell, a theologian and teacher, hosts each episode, exploring theology, church history, faith and culture, apologetics, and the Christian life through the lens of historic Christian orthodoxy. From the Trinity to technology, we seek to make serious theology accessible, engaging, and practical for everyday believers.

3d ago

Must a Person Vote? Can Abstaining Be a Sin? | Episode 19

Must Christians Vote? Can Abstaining Be a Sin? | Election Special — Episode 19 Does God require Christians to vote? Is choosing not to vote always morally innocent? And does voting for an imperfect candidate mean endorsing that candidate's wrongdoing? In this special election episode of The Good Doctrine, Dr. Kyle Bagwell examines the biblical and theological foundations of political authority, civic responsibility, and Christian participation in government. Beginning with the creation mandate in Genesis 1 and Paul's teaching on government in Romans 13, we explore whether political participation is merely a right or can sometimes become a moral obligation. Along the way, we consider: Political authority and stewardship: What responsibilities accompany the authority citizens exercise in selecting their leaders? Voting for imperfect candidates: Does supporting a candidate necessarily mean endorsing their character, policies, or wrongdoing? Moral dilemmas and conscience: What can Jephthah's vow teach us about conflicting obligations and the possibility of a mistaken conscience? Uncertainty and political judgment: How should Christians weigh competing accusations, party platforms, policy proposals, and foreseeable consequences? The sin of omission: Can refusing to vote sometimes violate our responsibility to love our neighbors? Drawing on Scripture, Christian ethics, and historical examples, this episode argues that Scripture does not command every Christian to vote in every election—but abstaining is not automatically morally neutral, either. Above all, we remember that our ultimate allegiance belongs not to any political party or earthly government, but to Jesus Christ, the only perfectly righteous King. Think clearly. Believe boldly. Live faithfully. Learn more: https://thegooddoctrine.com/
Oct 24

Jesus: The Fullest Revelation of God? | The Word Made Flesh — Episode 18

What could Jesus Christ reveal about God that even Moses, Isaiah, and the greatest Old Testament prophets couldn't? Throughout history, God has made Himself known through creation, covenants, promises, and prophets. But Hebrews 1:1–3 declares that God has now spoken to us through His Son, who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” What makes Jesus different? He isn't merely another messenger from God. He is the eternal Word made flesh—the fullest revelation of God Himself. In Episode 18 of The Good Doctrine, Dr. Kyle Bagwell explores how God's progressive revelation reaches its culmination in Jesus Christ and why this truth transforms our understanding of Scripture, salvation, and the Christian life. In this episode, we examine: God's Progressive Revelation: How God revealed Himself throughout the Old Testament and why His earlier revelation remains true and authoritative. The Eternal Word: What John 1:1–3 teaches about Christ's eternal existence, deity, and distinction from the Father. The Word Made Flesh: Why the incarnation means more than God sending another prophet—and how Jesus fulfills the imagery of God's dwelling among His people. The Radiance of God's Glory: Why Jesus surpasses Moses and the prophets, and how both the Transfiguration and the cross reveal God's glory. From Glory to Glory: How beholding Christ transforms believers through the Holy Spirit, according to 2 Corinthians 3:18–4:6. Along the way, we'll consider the Rosetta Stone, the Council of Nicaea, Augustine's conversion, and the profound difference between merely knowing facts about God and truly knowing Him through Jesus Christ. The central truth: Jesus doesn't merely tell us what God is like. As the incarnate Son, He reveals the Father—and through His life, death, and resurrection, He makes known God's holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and love. Key Scriptures: Hebrews 1:1–3; John 1:1–18; Colossians 1:15–17; Matthew 17:1–8; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18–4:6. The Good Doctrine with Dr. Kyle Bagwell Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully. 🌐 Website: https://thegooddoctrine.com/ 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/7DE8gs4yCe8 If this episode encourages you, please follow The Good Doctrine on Spotify, share it with someone who might benefit, and join us as we continue exploring what Scripture teaches and why it matters.
Oct 16

Does the Old Testament Prove Jesus the Messiah? | Episode 17

Does the Old Testament really point to Jesus Christ—or are Christians reading Jesus back into ancient Jewish Scriptures? From the first promise of a coming deliverer in Genesis to the suffering servant of Isaiah and the exalted Son of Man in Daniel, the Old Testament develops a series of expectations about God's promised Messiah. But do these passages actually predict Jesus? Could they refer instead to David, Solomon, other historical figures, or the nation of Israel? And if Jesus is the Messiah, why haven't the biblical promises of worldwide peace and justice been completely fulfilled? In Episode 17 of The Good Doctrine, Kyle Bagwell examines the cumulative testimony of the Old Testament and argues that Jesus Christ is not merely the most coherent fulfillment of its messianic expectations—he is the only coherent fulfillment. In this episode, we explore: The promised offspring of Genesis 3:15 and the blessing promised to Abraham The prophet like Moses and the everlasting Davidic kingdom The suffering and exalted king in Psalms 2, 22, and 110 Isaiah's suffering servant and the question of whether the servant represents Israel The Son of Man in Daniel 7 and the coming king in the Minor Prophets The strongest historical and Jewish alternatives to the Christian interpretation Why the Messiah's suffering, resurrection, and heavenly reign belong together Whether the cumulative evidence establishes Jesus as the promised Messiah The central question: How can the Messiah be a victorious king, a suffering servant, an everlasting priest, and the ruler of an eternal kingdom? The Christian answer is that these expectations converge in the life, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. As Jesus explains in Luke 24, the Scriptures anticipate both the Messiah's suffering and his glory. The promise becomes clearer. The expectation grows greater. And all of it leads us to Jesus Christ. The Good Doctrine exists to help Christians think clearly, believe boldly, and live faithfully. Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully. Website: https://thegooddoctrine.com
Oct 9

Did God Change His Message? Progressive Revelation | Episode 16

Why did God command the Israelites to observe the Sabbath, practice circumcision, and offer animal sacrifices—while Christians today don't follow those commands in the same way? Did God change His message between the Old and New Testaments? Or are we missing something about how divine revelation unfolds? In Episode 016 of The Good Doctrine, Dr. Kyle Bagwell explores the doctrine of progressive revelation—how God gradually revealed His redemptive purposes throughout biblical history, culminating in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Scripture and church history, we examine how Christians have understood the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the distinction between literal interpretation and allegory, and the ways God's promises find their fulfillment in Christ. In this episode: Marcion, Augustine, Origen, and early Christian approaches to the Old Testament What progressive revelation means—and what it doesn't mean How God's commands can change without His character changing The relationship between biblical covenants and their fulfillment in Christ Covenant Theology, Dispensationalism, and Progressive Covenantalism The Sabbath, the Abrahamic land promise, and Israel's continuing significance Four practical questions for reading the Old Testament faithfully The central takeaway: God's character hasn't changed. His promises haven't failed. His revelation unfolds through one unified redemptive story, finding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Whether you've struggled with apparent contradictions between the Testaments or wondered why Christians disagree about biblical covenants, this episode offers a historically informed, Scripture-centered approach to understanding the Bible's unity. Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully. 🌐 Website: https://thegooddoctrine.com 📩 Sign up for weekly livestream reminders and explore more teachings on our website. The Good Doctrine with Dr. Kyle Bagwell — Making Christian theology accessible, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture.
Oct 2

If Everyone Knows About God, Why Do We Need the Bible? | Episode 15

If everyone already knows something about God through creation, providence, and conscience, why do we need the Bible? In Episode 15 of The Good Doctrine, Kyle Bagwell explores why special revelation is necessary—not merely because humanity is sinful, but because we are finite creatures made to know a particular God. From the eternal Word, to God's commands in Eden, to his promises and covenants throughout redemptive history, Scripture reveals a God who speaks so that his creatures can know who he is, what he requires, and what he has done to save sinners. Along the way, we ask why God is so “exclusive,” what the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil teaches us about revelation, and why God will never sacrifice his own truth, name, and glory for the sake of broadening the path. Ultimately, God's special revelation leads us to Jesus Christ—the Word made flesh. The way is narrow because truth is particular. But the invitation is wide. One God. One Son. One cross. One resurrection. One gospel. All nations. Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully.
Sep 25

Can Everyone Know God? What About Those Who Never Hear? | Episode 14

Does everyone already know God? In this episode, we explore the doctrine of general revelation—what God reveals through creation, providence, and conscience, why religions contain similar teachings, and whether that revelation is sufficient for salvation. So what does every person actually know about God? And if God reveals himself to everyone, why are there so many different religions? In Episode 14 of The Good Doctrine, Kyle explores the Christian doctrine of general revelation and some of the difficult questions it raises. What can creation and conscience tell us about God? Why do religions across cultures contain similar moral teachings, sacrifices, and stories of divine judgment? What should Christians make of ancient flood narratives? Is Yahweh simply another name for gods like Baal? And could someone be saved through Christ without ever knowing Christ's name? Along the way, we examine Romans 1–2, Psalm 19, Acts 14, Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Naaman and Rimmon, John Wesley and prevenient grace, C. S. Lewis and Emeth, Vatican II, inclusivism, and the necessity of the gospel. The central distinction: Everyone knows God—but not everyone knows the gospel. General revelation truly reveals the Creator. But creation and conscience cannot tell us that Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose again. That requires God to speak. Next week: Why Do We Need Special Revelation? Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully.
Sep 18

Questions Christians Disagree About: How Does God Reveal Himself? | Episode 13

Can we hear God speak? How does God reveal himself—and how can we know when he is speaking? In Episode 13 of The Good Doctrine, Kyle Bagwell launches a new series on the Doctrine of Revelation by examining eight questions Christians disagree about. From the salvation of those who have never heard the gospel to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, we consider competing theological perspectives, weigh the biblical evidence, and explore what these questions mean for Christian faith and practice. Eight Questions We Explore: Can someone be saved without hearing the gospel?How were people saved before Christ?Does later revelation correct earlier revelation—or fulfill and clarify it?Is divine revelation rational, irrational, or above reason?Can Scripture be wrong?How do we know which books belong in the Bible?Did the Church give us the Bible?Does ongoing revelation undermine the sufficiency of Scripture?Kyle also shares two personal experiences involving contemporary prophecy and considers how Christians can evaluate claims of divine revelation without compromising Scripture's supreme authority. We conclude with three questions for our AI assistant, RG482, and a preview of what's ahead in this new series. Join the conversation: Which of these eight questions would you most like to explore in greater depth? ▶️ Watch the video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqdpfk_piYk 🌐 Explore more resources: https://thegooddoctrine.com/ Subscribe or follow The Good Doctrine for future episodes as we continue exploring the Doctrine of Revelation. Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully.
Sep 11

Does Christian Doctrine Change? How the Trinity Developed Without Changing | Episode 12

Episode 12 — Does Christian Doctrine Change? How the Trinity Developed Without Changing The apostles never used the word Trinity. They never used homoousios. They never spoke of “one ousia and three hypostaseis” or described the divine persons as “subsistent relations.” So did Christian doctrine change? In Episode 12 of The Good Doctrine, Kyle Bagwell traces nearly 1,200 years of the development of Trinitarian doctrine—from the biblical revelation of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through the early Logos theologians, Tertullian, Origen, Nicaea, the Cappadocians, Augustine, the Athanasian Creed, Boethius, and Thomas Aquinas. Along the way, we explore why Christians needed increasingly precise theological language, how heresy forced the Church to resolve previously unanswered questions, and why using terminology not found explicitly in Scripture does not necessarily violate sola Scriptura. The central distinction is between changing the content of Christian doctrine and developing a more precise understanding and formulation of what Scripture teaches. The apostolic revelation hasn't changed. The truth hasn't changed. But the Church's understanding, conceptual distinctions, and vocabulary have genuinely developed as Christians reasoned from Scripture and responded to new questions and errors. In this episode: Revelation, doctrinal change, and doctrinal developmentThe Gospel of John and early Logos theologyTertullian's language of Trinity, person, and substanceOrigen and eternal generationArius and the meaning of “begotten”Nicaea: “begotten, not made” and homoousiosThe Cappadocians: one ousia, three hypostaseisAugustine on divine simplicity, inseparable operations, and relations of originThe Athanasian Creed: “Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity”Boethius and the definition of personAquinas and the divine persons as “subsistent relations”How the Son's mission in the economy relates to his eternal relation to the FatherHow to distinguish faithful doctrinal development from theological corruption Heresy often makes orthodoxy more articulate—not because heresy gives the Church new revelation, but because it exposes ambiguities Christians previously hadn't needed to resolve. Think clearly. Believe boldly. Live faithfully.

Trailer

Trailer | Welcome to The Good Doctrine w/ Kyle Bagwell

Welcome to The Good Doctrine Podcast w/ Kyle Bagwell. In this brief trailer, you'll hear the vision behind the podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. The Good Doctrine exists to help Christians think clearly, believe boldly, and live faithfully under the lordship of Jesus Christ. We exalt Christ through biblical theology, church history, Christian ethics, apologetics, and thoughtful engagement with the questions shaping the church and the world today. Whether you're a pastor, student, teacher, parent, or simply someone who wants to know God more deeply through His Word, you're invited to join the conversation. Subscribe now so you don't miss the first full episode. Learn more at TheGoodDoctrine.com Think Clearly. Believe Boldly. Live Faithfully.

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The Good Doctrine with Kyle Bagwell, PhD, helps Christians think clearly, believe boldly, and live faithfully. Dr. Bagwell, a theologian and teacher, hosts each episode, exploring theology, church history, faith and culture, apologetics, and the Christian life through the lens of historic Christian orthodoxy. From the Trinity to technology, we seek to make serious theology accessible, engaging, and practical for everyday believers.

Creator

Kyle W. Bagwell
Years Active

2026
Episodes

20
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kyle W. Bagwell
Show Website

The Good Doctrine