How did a bishop, a former skeptic, a monk, and a bookworm help shape the way you understand God today?

You may have never read their books—or even heard their names—but Athanasius, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin helped shape conversations Christians still have about Jesus, sin, salvation, and Scripture. So, why should their stories matter to us?

In this episode, Dr. Ben is joined by guest host Patrick to explore four of his favorite theologians. They discuss Athanasius’s defense of Christ’s divinity, Augustine’s understanding of humanity’s fallen nature, Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith alone, and Calvin’s approach to understanding theology and seeing Christ throughout Scripture.

So, how can learning from these theologians deepen our understanding of the Bible—and how do we appreciate their contributions while keeping Scripture as our final authority?

Discover:

• Why church history matters for understanding theology today
• How to learn from theologians without agreeing with everything they taught
• How Athanasius defended the divinity of Jesus
• What Augustine’s disagreement with Pelagius reveals about sin and human nature
• Why Martin Luther emphasized Scripture alone and justification by faith alone
• How John Calvin helped organize theology and highlight Christ throughout Scripture
• Where to start if you want to learn more about these influential thinkers

Key Passages:

Romans 1 • Romans 6–8 • Colossians 1 • Hebrews 1:1–3 • Philippians 2

Church history reminds us that we aren’t the first people to ask difficult questions about God. Dr. Ben and Patrick explain how learning from those who came before us can sharpen our understanding of Scripture, help us recognize theological errors, and deepen our appreciation for the truth of the gospel.

Resources to Explore:

R.C. Sproul’s Heroes of the Christian Faith series from Ligonier Ministries:

Explore the series

Learn about Athanasius:

Athanasius with R.C. Sproul

Learn about Augustine:

Augustine with R.C. Sproul

Learn about Martin Luther:

Martin Luther, Part 1, with R.C. Sproul

Learn about John Calvin:

John Calvin with R.C. Sproul

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Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

#TheologyIsFun #ChurchHistory #Athanasius #Augustine #MartinLuther #JohnCalvin #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac—and how does this story point to Jesus?

God promised Abraham a son, and despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age, Isaac was born. Yet God then asked Abraham to offer that same son as a sacrifice. How could God’s promise continue through Isaac if Isaac died? And what gave Abraham the faith to obey?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. They explain Abraham’s belief that God could raise his son from the dead, discuss the significance of the ram provided in Isaac’s place, and trace the connections between Isaac, the Passover, and Jesus as the Lamb of God.

So, why was Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac—and what can his story teach us about faith, God’s provision, and the price of our redemption?

Discover:

• How Isaac’s miraculous birth reveals God’s faithfulness
• Why God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac
• What Hebrews 11 reveals about Abraham’s faith in resurrection
• Why Abraham told his servants that both he and Isaac would return
• How the ram provided in Isaac’s place points toward a greater sacrifice
• How the Passover connects to Jesus as the Lamb of God
• How baptism and the Lord’s Supper connect to Old Testament promises

Key Passages:

Genesis 3:15 • Genesis 22:1–14 • Exodus 12 • Hebrews 11:17–19 • John 1:29 • John 3:16

Abraham and Isaac’s story raises difficult questions about faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why this account must be understood within God’s unfolding plan of redemption—and how God’s promise to provide ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

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

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

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

#TheologyIsFun #Abraham #Isaac #LambOfGod #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy

Why did God bless Ishmael—and yet choose Isaac as the son of promise?

God promised Abraham a son, but as the years passed, Abraham and Sarah struggled to see how that promise could be fulfilled. Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Yet God made clear that His covenant would continue through Isaac. What does that distinction tell us about faith and God’s promises?

In this episode, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael. They explain the difference between earthly blessing and covenant blessing, consider Paul’s comparison of Ishmael and Isaac, and discuss their perspective on the spiritual roots of tension in the Middle East.

So, was Ishmael saved—and what can his story teach us about trusting God rather than taking matters into our own hands?

Discover:

• Why Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham
• How Abraham and Sarah tried to fulfill God’s promise themselves
• How God cared for Hagar and blessed Ishmael
• Why Ishmael was not the son of promise
• How Paul contrasts Ishmael and Isaac in Galatians
• Why the hosts distinguish earthly blessing from saving faith
• What this story teaches us about waiting on God’s timing

Key Passages:

Genesis 16–17 • Genesis 21 • Galatians 3–4

Ishmael’s story raises difficult questions about blessing, faith, and the consequences of disobedience. Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explain why receiving earthly blessings is different from belonging to God’s covenant people—and how God’s promise to Abraham ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

👉 Subscribe for more theology (and a lot more fun).

🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

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

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Corey Abney on Instagram

https://instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Ben Skaug on Instagram

https://instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

https://instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

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

#TheologyIsFun #Ishmael #Abraham #Isaac #GodsPromises #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy