The Partners and Citizens Podcast

Matthew Castro
  • 4.3 (13)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Partners and Citizens Podcast is a weekly show that explores missions and politics to inspire Christians to unite as gospel partners and live as citizens of heaven in a fallen world.

  1. 11/03/2025

    Lesson Nine: The Theology of Sola Gloria Deo

    The Partners and Citizens Podcast

    1h 24m

  2. 11/03/2025

    Lesson Eight: The Theology of Sola Gratis

    The Partners and Citizens Podcast

    1h 18m

  3. 07/30/2025

    Lesson Seven: History of Sola Gratis

    In this episode, Dr. Matt Castro explores the rich historical and theological development of the doctrine of Sola Gratia—Grace Alone. Tracing the theme of grace from Scripture through the early church, Augustine, Aquinas, and into the Reformation, this lesson highlights grace as God's sovereign response to human sin. From Augustine’s Confessions to Luther’s rediscovery of grace in Romans, the episode emphasizes that salvation is not earned but entirely a gift from God. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of why grace is foundational to Christian identity, assurance, and transformation.

    1h 15m

  4. 07/10/2025

    Lesson Six: The Theology of Sola Fida

    In this session of the Wednesday Summer Equip Class on the Five Solas of the Reformation, Dr. Matt Castro explores the doctrine of Sola Fide—justification by faith alone. Building on the previous lesson’s historical background, he explains the theological heart of the Reformation’s teaching that sinners are declared righteous by God’s grace through faith in Christ, apart from works or sacraments. The lesson contrasts medieval Catholic views of cooperation and merit with the Protestant insistence on faith as the sole instrument of justification. Through Scripture and Reformation history, listeners are invited to see how this doctrine preserves the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work and the believer’s assurance of salvatio

    1h 15m

  5. 07/10/2025

    Citizens of Heaven with Michael Ebbs

    In this episode of the Partners in Citizens podcast, host Matt Castro is joined by friend and political enthusiast Michael Ebbs for a thoughtful conversation about tariffs, trade policy under President Trump, and broader questions about globalism. They discuss the economic logic behind tariffs, their local and international impacts, and the historical failures of protectionist policies like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Drawing on personal experience in higher education and international student dynamics, Mike shares how immigration and global trade fuel innovation and stability. They also explore the Christian and ethical dimensions of global trade, arguing that open markets can help lift people out of poverty and foster collaboration. The episode closes with reflections on Congress’s role in regulating tariffs and the potential need to rein in executive power over trade policy.

    34 min

  6. 07/07/2025

    Lesson Five: The History of Sola Fida

    In this episode of our Summer Equipped Class on the Five Solas, Pastor Matt Castro explores the historical development of Sola Fide—faith alone. We trace how medieval Catholic theology developed a complex sacramental system that conveyed grace through rituals such as baptism and the Eucharist, requiring human cooperation for salvation. Matt explains how the Reformers rejected this synergy, insisting on justification by faith alone in Christ’s work. This episode sets the stage for understanding the core theological conflict of the Reformation and prepares listeners for a deeper biblical discussion in the next session.

    1h 15m

  7. 07/02/2025

    Lesson Four: The Theology of Solus Christus

    In this episode of our Summer Wednesday Night series on the Five Solas, Pastor Greg Sukert teaches on Solus Christus—Christ Alone. He explores why the Reformation insisted that salvation is found in Christ alone, without religious “add-ons,” and how this truth counters both historical and modern distortions of the gospel. Using Galatians 3 and the teachings of Peter and Paul, this lesson calls us to reject performance-based faith and rest fully in Christ’s finished work. Join us as we rediscover the simple, life-giving message at the heart of the Reformation: grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for God’s glory alone.

    1h 14m

  8. 06/14/2025

    Citizens of Heaven with Jay Thompson

    Guest: Jay Thompson, Director of Influencers Mid-South In this deeply honest conversation, Matt Castro sits down with Jay Thompson of Influencers Ministries to explore what it means to live as a citizen of heaven in a world marked by exhaustion, insecurity, and quiet desperation. Drawing from personal stories and ministry experience, Jay reflects on the power of abiding in Christ, the unique struggles men face, and the difference between behavior modification and spiritual transformation. Together, they discuss identity, intimacy with Christ, and the ongoing call to die to self and depend fully on the Holy Spirit.

    39 min
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4.3
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The Partners and Citizens Podcast is a weekly show that explores missions and politics to inspire Christians to unite as gospel partners and live as citizens of heaven in a fallen world.

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