Apologetics Live

Andrew Rappaport
Apologetics Live

A live apologetics 2-hour show to answer challenging questions and teach how to do apologetics. It is hosted by Andrew Rappaport.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    From Nomads to Cults: The Journey of Tony Miano and GFC

    The discussion dives deep into the contentious dynamics within Grace Fellowship Church (GFC) and the implications of its leadership's practices, particularly under Mike Reed. The episode highlights the alarming patterns of spiritual abuse and authoritarianism that have emerged, drawing parallels to previous critiques of other groups, such as the Church of Wells. Kevin Yount shares his personal experiences and observations, emphasizing the detrimental impact of legalism and the lack of genuine accountability within GFC. The hosts explore how Tony Miano, a prominent figure in street evangelism, has navigated these turbulent waters, often dismissing valid concerns raised by others. This dialogue not only seeks to expose the troubling behaviors within GFC but also aims to encourage accountability and transparency in church leadership. The podcast episode delves into the contentious topic of accountability within church leadership, focusing particularly on Tony Miano and his association with Grace Fellowship Church (GFC). A significant portion of the discussion centers around the implications of pastoral authority and the culture of submission that can emerge within evangelical communities. The hosts critically analyze Miano's recent sermon where he accuses critics of being 'wolves' and discusses the toxic dynamics that can arise when leaders claim exclusive authority over the spiritual lives of their congregants. This leads to an exploration of the psychological and emotional toll that authoritarian church environments can have on individuals, prompting a broader conversation about the need for transparency and genuine accountability among church leaders. Listeners are invited to consider the impact of Miano's rhetoric on his followers and the broader implications of his claims regarding evangelism and church membership. The episode highlights testimonies from former members of GFC who describe their experiences of spiritual abuse, emphasizing the necessity of creating spaces where dissent is not only tolerated but welcomed. By examining Miano's past and present statements, the hosts illustrate how his narrative has shifted over time, raising critical questions about integrity in church leadership and the importance of fostering a culture of open dialogue rather than fear. As the episode unfolds, the discussion touches upon the broader evangelical landscape, scrutinizing how the issues faced at GFC reflect larger trends within contemporary Christianity. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own church experiences and the importance of accountability, urging a collective move towards healthier church dynamics that prioritize the well-being of all congregants over the preservation of leadership power. Takeaways: The podcast highlights the dangers of authoritarian church structures and spiritual abuse. Tony Miano's claims of being attacked by wolves contradict his own history of accountability. Tony's transition from one church to another reflects a pattern of seeking validation. The importance of church community and accountability is emphasized as essential for evangelists. The episode critiques the tendency of some churches to impose legalistic standards on their members. Articles mentioned: The Evangelist's Responsibility to the Local Church The Dangerous Doctrines of Grace Fellowship Church Open Air Preacher Profile of Tony Miano | Every Evangelist Should Belong to a Church a...

    2h 45m
  2. DEC 13

    Did the Roman Catholic Church Give us the Bible?

    The discussion centers around the contentious question of whether the Roman Catholic Church is responsible for giving us the Bible. Sebastian, a traditional Roman Catholic, argues that the Church's authority is essential in determining the canon of scripture, while Andrew contends that the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, was recognized as scripture long before the establishment of the Catholic Church. The conversation dives into the historical context of biblical interpretation, the role of church councils, and the implications of oral tradition. Tensions rise as both speakers grapple with definitions of faith and grace, contrasting Catholic and Protestant beliefs. Ultimately, the episode highlights the ongoing debate over the authority of tradition versus scripture in defining what constitutes the Christian faith. Engaging in a thought-provoking debate, the participants tackle the fundamental question of whether the Roman Catholic Church can claim to have given the Bible to believers. Andrew argues passionately that the Old Testament was recognized as scripture long before the existence of the Catholic Church, emphasizing that the authority of scripture is inherent in the texts themselves, not in any institutional endorsement. He highlights that Genesis, for instance, was accepted as part of the biblical canon by the early Jewish community, thus negating the Catholic Church's claim of being the sole arbiter of scripture. Sebastian counters this viewpoint by asserting the necessity of the Church's role in canonization, positing that the Church's historical authority is essential for maintaining the integrity of the biblical texts. The discussion evolves as both parties delve into the implications of their perspectives on salvation and the role of tradition. This spirited back-and-forth not only highlights the theological divide between Protestant and Catholic beliefs but also encourages listeners to reflect on their understanding of faith, works, and the nature of divine revelation. The episode culminates in an exploration of how differing interpretations of scripture can lead to diverse expressions of faith, challenging listeners to engage deeply with the questions of authority and truth in their spiritual journeys. This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Write us a review and tell us how we are doing. Sponsors: Squirrelly Joe’s Coffee use the code SFEfor 20% off your purchase Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

    2h 59m
  3. DEC 6

    Calvinism vs. Provisionism: A Lively Debate on Salvation

    Apologetics Live episode 267 This podcast episode dives deep into the theological debate surrounding Calvinism, provisionism, and the nature of free will. The conversation centers on the differences between Calvinistic determinism and the provisionist belief that individuals can freely respond to God's grace. Andrew Rapaport and Leighton Flowers engage in a lively discussion, exploring the implications of total depravity, irresistible grace, and the role of human choice in salvation. The episode highlights the complexities of these doctrines, emphasizing how interpretations can lead to misunderstandings between different theological camps. Both hosts aim to clarify their positions while acknowledging the shared goal of understanding God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Takeaways: Andrew Rapaport emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussions without losing patience, highlighting that differing opinions can coexist respectfully. The podcast features a debate on the nuances of Calvinism, provisionism, and the implications of free will on salvation. Leighton Flowers argues that all individuals have the capacity to respond to God's call, despite the effects of original sin. Both speakers agree on the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for salvation, although they differ on the implications of predestination. The conversation touches on the idea that salvation is a gift from God that requires a personal response from individuals. The episode showcases how theological disagreements can lead to deeper discussions about faith and understanding of scripture. Links referenced in this episode: apologeticslive.comstrivingforeternity.orgsquirrelyjoes.commypillow.com This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Write us a review and tell us how we are doing. Sponsors: Squirrelly Joe’s Coffee use the code SFEfor 20% off your purchase Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

    2h 10m
  4. NOV 8

    Hebrew Roots: A Deep Dive into Misunderstandings

    The podcast delves into the complex topic of Hebrew roots and the implications of salvation as discussed in the book of Hebrews. A key focus is on the contentious passage in Hebrews 6, which raises questions about the possibility of losing one's salvation and whether genuine believers can fall away. The hosts explore the nuances of biblical interpretation, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and scriptural literacy when addressing these theological issues. Additionally, they discuss the importance of understanding cultural contexts, particularly the communal aspects of ancient Jewish society, which influence the application of biblical laws. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, the conversation underscores the significance of grounding faith in a thorough understanding of Scripture while navigating differing theological perspectives. Takeaways: Understanding the nuances of biblical hermeneutics is crucial for interpreting scripture accurately. The concept of apostasy in Hebrews raises important questions about eternal security and faith. The communal culture of ancient Israel significantly influenced the interpretation of biblical law. Hebrews 6 discusses the serious consequences of falling away from faith in Christ. The importance of critical thinking and biblical literacy cannot be overstated in today's society. The nature of salvation involves God's sovereignty, which assures believers of their eternal security. Links referenced in this episode: apologeticslive.comthebiblicalroots.orgstrivingforeternity.orgCan You Lose Your Salvation?rapreport.orgsquirrelyjoes.commypillow.com Companies mentioned in this episode: MyPillow Squirrely Joe's Coffee Striving for Eternity Ministries Williamson College Press

    2h 17m
  5. NOV 2

    Cumulative Apologetics: The Ultimate Guide to Convincing Conversations

    Apologetics Live episode 263 This podcast episode delves into the topic of cumulative apologetics, exploring its significance in defending the Christian faith. The hosts engage in a lively discussion about various apologetic methodologies, including presuppositionalism, classical, and evidential approaches, emphasizing that each has its place in effective evangelism. Dr. Donald Williams and Dan Kraft contribute their insights, illustrating the necessity of grounding arguments in Scripture while also acknowledging the role of evidence in addressing contemporary doubts about Christianity. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the audience's perspective and tailoring responses to their specific questions and challenges. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that while the Holy Spirit is the true agent of transformation, apologetics serves as a valuable tool in guiding conversations toward the gospel. The podcast delves into the intricate world of apologetics, focusing on the cumulative approach as a methodology to engage with skeptics and believers alike. The host opens up with a light-hearted introduction, setting a relaxed tone for what evolves into a deep discussion on various apologetic methodologies, including classical, evidential, and presuppositional apologetics. Notably, Adam Parker, the co-host, shares his experiences and insights from his ministry, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives in the realm of apologetics. This episode also features Dr. Donald Williams, who provides a scholarly perspective on how cumulative apologetics can effectively incorporate elements from various approaches to create a more robust defense of the Christian faith. As the discussion progresses, the hosts address the challenges posed by modern atheistic arguments and the relevance of scripture in apologetic dialogue. They emphasize that while evidence and reasoning are valuable tools, the ultimate power lies in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a person's heart. The dialogue is rich with examples, including personal anecdotes and references to historical figures in apologetics, showcasing how the conversation can adapt based on the audience. The podcast highlights the necessity of being prepared to give an answer for one's faith while also recognizing the limitations of human reasoning in the face of divine truth. Listeners are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with the content, considering not only the intellectual aspects of faith but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions. The episode concludes with a call to action for believers to be ready to share their faith while relying on the Holy Spirit to guide their conversations. This nuanced exploration of apologetics invites listeners to reflect on their own understanding and approach to defending their faith in a world filled with diverse beliefs and challenges. Takeaways: The cumulative case for apologetics combines various methodologies to effectively engage with different audiences. It's essential to present the gospel as the ultimate truth that saves individuals from their sins. The role of the Holy Spirit in conversion highlights the need for reliance on God's power. Discussions about apologetics should focus on Jesus's resurrection as a historical fact. Engagement with non-believers should prioritize understanding their questions and concerns before presenting evidence. Apologetics serves not only as a defense of faith but also as a tool for discipleship.

    2h 29m
4.4
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

A live apologetics 2-hour show to answer challenging questions and teach how to do apologetics. It is hosted by Andrew Rappaport.

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