In this episode of Theology is Fun, Dr. Corey is joined by Venezuelan Pastor Jim Contreras for a timely conversation on how the church should respond when the world feels like it’s shaking.

With major headlines coming out of Venezuela, including the reported U.S. operation and detention of Nicolás Maduro, Pastor Jim shares a personal perspective from growing up in Venezuela under the Chávez/Maduro-era collapse: water shortages, power outages, food lines, fear, and how it impacted him.

But this episode isn’t political commentary; it’s a pastoral and biblical framework for Christians living through humanitarian and political unrest.

We talk about:

1. Why the gospel must stay first in every season
2. Why the gospel should be the stumbling block, not our opinions or tone
3. How Christian conduct matters most when culture is tense
4. How the gospel shapes relationships and unity even when we disagree
5. Why our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not any earthly nation

We close by praying for Venezuela, for families affected, and for churches to stay anchored in Christ with courage, gentleness, and endurance.

Scriptures referenced: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:17–18, Romans 13, Acts 5, 1 Peter 2–3, Hebrews 10

#VenezuelanPastor #Venezuela #Maduro #TheologyIsFun #ChristianLeadership #Church #GospelFirst #Prayer

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Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

In this end-of-year episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug take listeners deep into one of the most misunderstood doctrines in Christian theology: the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ as one person with two complete natures, fully God and fully man.

The conversation begins with a familiar worship song lyric that sparks theological “angst” and quickly opens into a wide-ranging discussion on the incarnation, the meaning of Philippians 2, and why language matters deeply when we speak or sing about Christ. Along the way, Corey and Ben unpack common misconceptions about Jesus “setting aside” divine attributes, explain why the kenotic theory has been historically rejected, and explore how Scripture speaks about Christ’s humanity without denying His full deity.

Topics include:

1. Whether Jesus ever limited His omniscience or divine power
2. How to understand Christ’s humanity without turning Him into a “Superman Jesus”
3. Why the incarnation is addition, not subtraction
4. How the Spirit works in Christ’s earthly ministry
5. Why Jesus can grow, hunger, suffer, and yet still uphold the universe
6. How to read difficult passages like “the Son does not know the day or the hour”

With pastoral insight, sharp theology, and plenty of humor (including laser beams, Bo Humbug, and baby Jesus with a rattle), this episode helps listeners think carefully and biblically about who Jesus is—and why getting this right matters for worship, doctrine, and faith.

As the year comes to a close, this conversation reminds us not to get lost in technicalities while missing the big picture: God has come to rescue us by becoming one of us.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments.

Listen on Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug 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&feature=shared

In this special Christmas Eve episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take on one of the more surprising questions that tends to surface this time of year: Should Christians celebrate Christmas at all? And why do some argue that putting Christ at the center of the holiday actually violates biblical worship?

The conversation centers on the Regulative Principle—the belief that worship should only include what Scripture explicitly commands—and why that principle has led some to conclude that Christmas, especially when focused on the incarnation of Jesus, crosses theological boundaries. Corey and Ben carefully unpack these arguments, tracing their historical roots and measuring them against the full witness of Scripture.

Along the way, they discuss the difference between commanded worship and Christian freedom, how cultural traditions can be redeemed rather than rejected, and why the incarnation of Christ is not a peripheral doctrine but a central pillar of the gospel itself. They also offer thoughtful guidance on navigating these conversations with family and friends—especially when the holidays bring strong opinions to the table.

With humor, pastoral wisdom, and biblical depth, this episode reminds listeners that Christmas is not about defending traditions or avoiding controversy. It’s about rejoicing in the astonishing truth that God entered our broken world to redeem it.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas—celebrating, weary, or somewhere in between—this conversation points back to the heart of the season and the hope found in Christ.

Merry Christmas from The Theology Is Fun Podcast.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug

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&feature=shared