Take 2 Theology

Michael Mott and Zach Hale
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

Take 2 Theology is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by Michael Mott and Zachary Hale, elders at Charleston Bible Church. Each episode explores Scripture, theology, and Christian living through thoughtful conversations, interviews, and the occasional friendly debate. Whether we’re walking through a book of the Bible, tackling a tough doctrinal topic, or drafting our favorite children’s Bible songs March Madness-style, our aim is the same: to think deeply about God’s truth and invite others to do the same.

  1. Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Who Is Qualified to Lead?

    1d ago

    Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Who Is Qualified to Lead?

    Season 2, Episode 123 In the concluding episode of this series on sin, desire, identity, and the gospel, Michael and Zach explore how biblical theology should shape the qualifications for pastoral leadership. Building on previous discussions of original sin, concupiscence, sanctification, and Christian identity, they ask a practical question facing many churches today: How should elders and pastors speak about, fight against, and model the battle with remaining sin? Drawing from Scripture, the Westminster Standards, and the PCA's Report on Human Sexuality, the conversation examines the importance of clear theological categories, faithful repentance, and language that promotes rather than obscures biblical holiness. As a case study, Michael and Zach carefully evaluate the ministry and teaching of Sam Allberry, highlighting areas of broad agreement while thoughtfully explaining the narrower theological disagreements surrounding the moral status of same-sex attraction and the language Christians use to describe it. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that the issue is not whether church leaders struggle with sin—all do—but whether they clearly identify sin as Scripture does, pursue holiness, model repentance, and faithfully shepherd God's people. The series concludes by reminding listeners that the gospel tells the truth about both our profound need as sinners and the all-sufficient grace of Christ, who transforms those who belong to Him. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/1O8N5lF3kSE Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    33 min
  2. Biblical Role of Government | Reflections on Our Panel on Government

    6d ago

    Biblical Role of Government | Reflections on Our Panel on Government

    Season 2, Episode 122 In this episode, Michael and Zach reflect on several key themes and insights that emerged from their recent roundtable discussions on government, politics, and Christian civic engagement. The conversation begins by considering how many political disagreements are not ultimately disagreements about moral principles, but disagreements about facts and competing understandings of reality. Drawing on biblical commands concerning truthfulness, wisdom, and charity, the discussion explores the Christian responsibility to pursue truth carefully and to avoid assuming bad motives in those who reach different conclusions. The episode also revisits questions of economics and political philosophy, examining why many Christians have come to appreciate the strengths of free markets and capitalism while recognizing the ongoing effects of human sin and the need for moral accountability. From there, Michael and Zach consider the wisdom of constitutional republicanism, arguing that its emphasis on limited government, distributed authority, and the rule of law reflects important biblical insights about human dignity, responsibility, and fallenness. Along the way, the discussion explores constitutional interpretation, the importance of stable meaning in both law and Scripture, the separation of powers, federalism, and the dangers of concentrated political authority. Throughout the episode, the goal is not to identify a uniquely biblical political system, but to think carefully about how a Christian understanding of human nature should shape our approach to government, politics, and public life. Fact Check: Vote for Independence | July 2, 1776 Approval and Publishing of Document Explaining Why | July 4th, 1776 Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/6Kgbk3Qwy3g Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    49 min
  3. Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Same-Sex Attraction, Identity, and Language

    Jun 30

    Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Same-Sex Attraction, Identity, and Language

    Season 2, Episode 121 In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on sin, desire, identity, and the gospel by applying the theological foundations established in previous episodes to the contemporary discussion surrounding same-sex attraction and Christian identity. Recognizing that this topic is often approached through political or cultural categories, the conversation instead seeks to examine it through the lenses of biblical anthropology, sanctification, and union with Christ. Drawing heavily from Scripture and the PCA's Report on Human Sexuality, the discussion explores the nature of same-sex attraction as a manifestation of humanity's fallen condition, the distinction between temptation and outward practice, and the ongoing reality of the believer's struggle against remaining corruption. The episode also examines the controversy surrounding identity language such as "gay Christian," considering both the pastoral motivations behind such terminology and the theological concerns raised by those who object to it. Throughout the discussion, Michael and Zach emphasize that the Christian's primary identity is not found in temptations, desires, or struggles, but in union with Jesus Christ. The episode concludes with a call for churches to cultivate environments of both truth and compassion, where believers can honestly confess their struggles while pursuing holiness through the transforming power of the gospel. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/Xu-rGYZH1Kg Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    38 min
  4. Biblical Role of Government | Government, Nations, and Loving the Stranger

    Jun 25

    Biblical Role of Government | Government, Nations, and Loving the Stranger

    Season 2, Episode 120 In this episode, Michael and Zach conclude their government roundtable series with returning guests Matthew Gilbert and Jonathan White by examining the relationship between nations, immigration, and the Christian's responsibility to love both neighbor and stranger. Early in the discussion, Jonathan—a Colson Center alumnus—offers four guiding questions that help frame faithful Christian cultural engagement: 1. What is good that we can promote, celebrate, and preserve? 2. What is missing that we can creatively contribute? 3. What is evil that we can stop and resist? 4. What is broken that we can restore and heal? From that foundation, the panel explores the biblical purposes of civil government, the qualities of wise leaders, and the role Christian principles should play in public life. Drawing from passages such as Romans 13, Deuteronomy 4, Leviticus 19, Matthew 25, Luke 10, Acts 17, and others, the conversation wrestles with questions of patriotism, immigration, national responsibility, and the treatment of foreigners. Rather than accepting the polarized narratives that often dominate political discourse, the panel seeks to develop a balanced biblical framework that affirms both the legitimacy of national borders and the biblical command to love, protect, and show compassion to the sojourner. The series concludes by encouraging Christians to pursue justice, mercy, and wisdom while remembering that their ultimate hope rests not in earthly governments, but in the kingdom of God. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/Dvi6Blut9Ro Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    45 min
  5. Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Concupiscence & the War Within

    Jun 23

    Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | Concupiscence & the War Within

    Season 2, Episode 119 In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on sin, desire, identity, and holiness by examining the biblical doctrine of concupiscence and the ongoing struggle against indwelling sin. Building on the previous discussion of original sin and fallen human nature, the conversation addresses a difficult question: What should Christians think about sinful desires that seem to arise without conscious choice? Drawing from passages such as James 1, Romans 7, Galatians 5, Hebrews 4, and the Tenth Commandment, the episode explores the distinction between external temptation and inward corruption, the historic debate over whether sinful desire is itself sin, and why the Reformers insisted that disordered desires must be taken seriously as part of humanity's fallenness. Along the way, Michael and Zach discuss the sinlessness of Christ, the doctrine of impeccability, the reality of remaining corruption in the believer, and the Spirit-empowered battle of sanctification. The episode concludes with a message of both honesty and hope: the presence of sinful desire is not proof that grace is absent, but neither is it something to celebrate. Rather, the Christian life is a real war against sin in which God progressively transforms His people through the gospel, His Spirit, and the ordinary means of grace. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/M9nVPTdYieU Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    41 min
  6. Biblical Role of Government | Processes, Outcomes, and the Role of the Church

    Jun 18

    Biblical Role of Government | Processes, Outcomes, and the Role of the Church

    Season 2, Episode 118 In this episode, Michael and Zach are once again joined by Jonathan White and Matthew Gilbert for the second installment of their government roundtable discussion. The conversation tackles some of the most challenging questions Christians face in political engagement, including whether believers should prioritize just outcomes or just processes, how Christians ought to think about democratic norms, and what role the church should play in addressing political issues. Drawing from passages such as Micah 6, Isaiah 10, Proverbs 16, 2 Timothy 4, and Acts 20, the panel explores the relationship between justice, law, and political power while discussing whether pastors should address specific candidates or limit themselves to biblical principles. The discussion also considers the tension between God's sovereignty over rulers and human responsibility in political decision-making, using figures such as the judges of Israel and modern political leaders as case studies. Finally, the panel examines the long-term implications of political alliances within the pro-life movement and reflects on how Christians can faithfully pursue justice, truth, and civic responsibility without confusing the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/3Ir80Bd1Xh0 Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    38 min
  7. Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | What Is Sin Really?

    Jun 16

    Sin, Desire, and the Gospel | What Is Sin Really?

    Season 2, Episode 117 In this episode, Michael and Zach begin a new series exploring the biblical relationship between sin, desire, identity, and the gospel. Before addressing contemporary debates surrounding temptation, same-sex attraction, identity language, and pastoral qualification, they lay a theological foundation by asking a more basic question: What is sin? Many Christians think of sin primarily as outward behavior, but Scripture presents a much deeper picture. Sin includes not only our actions, but also our nature, desires, motives, and inclinations. Drawing from passages such as Romans 3, Romans 5, Mark 7, James 1, and Matthew 5, the discussion examines original sin, total depravity, the corruption inherited from Adam, and the way sinful desires arise from the fallen human heart. Along the way, Michael and Zach explain why Christianity's diagnosis of the human condition is far more profound than mere behavior modification, and why the gospel offers something greater than self-improvement. Ultimately, the episode argues that because sin reaches to the very core of who we are, we need more than better habits—we need regeneration, the righteousness of Christ, and the transforming grace of God. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/RPlWcSZgE50 Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    30 min
  8. Biblical Role of Government | Christians, Character, and Political Engagement

    Jun 11

    Biblical Role of Government | Christians, Character, and Political Engagement

    Season 2, Episode 116 In this episode, Michael and Zach are joined by returning guests Jonathan White and Matthew Gilbert for a roundtable discussion on one of the most difficult questions facing Christians in modern politics: how much should a candidate's character matter? Unlike most of human history, citizens in democratic societies have a direct role in selecting their leaders, creating unique moral and spiritual questions for believers. Drawing from passages such as Proverbs 29, Titus 1, Romans 14, Jeremiah 29, and others, the conversation explores the relationship between personal character and public policy, whether Christians should ever support candidates with serious moral failings, and the distinction between casting a vote and actively campaigning for a political figure. The discussion also considers the role of conscience, the responsibility to seek the good of one's community, and whether there are circumstances in which abstaining from a vote may be the most faithful course of action. Throughout the episode, the panel seeks to help Christians think biblically, carefully, and charitably about political engagement in an increasingly polarized culture. Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/jhh-KB7YWTQ Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠ License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Take 2 Theology is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by Michael Mott and Zachary Hale, elders at Charleston Bible Church. Each episode explores Scripture, theology, and Christian living through thoughtful conversations, interviews, and the occasional friendly debate. Whether we’re walking through a book of the Bible, tackling a tough doctrinal topic, or drafting our favorite children’s Bible songs March Madness-style, our aim is the same: to think deeply about God’s truth and invite others to do the same.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Mott and Zach Hale
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    271
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Mott and Zach Hale
  • Show Website
    Take 2 Theology

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