Radically Christian
Religion & Spirituality
About
The Radically Christian Podcast, hosted by Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson, invites listeners on a journey of learning to love like Jesus. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or a new Christian, you will enjoy these Bible studies and spiritual conversations. Each week, Wes and Marcus have conversations about life, faith, and Scripture. Though the topics vary from week to week, the goal of every conversation is the same, learn to love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies as Jesus does. www.radicallychristian.com
Episodes
- How Can You Count it All Joy?
This episode of Radically Christian discusses the biblical passage James 1:2-4, addressing the difficulty of finding joy in suffering. Hosts Wes and Marcus explore the idea that avoiding pain might be detrimental, and suggest that sufferin…
- The Death of Death
Wes and Marcus discuss how to reconcile the biblical portrayal of death as an enemy with its depiction as a tool wielded by God. They explore what this means for grief, hope, and life.
- Is Anxiety A Sin
Wes and Marcus discuss anxiety from a Christian perspective, exploring the tension between biblical commands and personal struggle. They consider what the Bible says about anxiety and how to approach it without guilt.
- The Gospel of Being Human
Wes and Marcus Stenson interview Marty Solomon about his book, "The Gospel of Being Human." They discuss the theological idea that the gospel story begins with humanity's creation in Genesis 1, rather than the fall in Genesis 3. This persp…
- God Is Our Refuge: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Anxiety
This episode of Radically Christian features Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discussing Psalm 46. They explore how this ancient text offers wisdom for modern anxiety, its historical context, and its relevance today for finding refuge in God.
- You Were Made to Win
Wes and Marcus interview Chip Pugh, chaplain and director of team development for the Tennessee Titans. They discuss his book "Made to Win: Six Practices of Jesus for a Life on Mission" and his SKILLS framework for Christian living.
- Is Medicine a Sin?
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss the biblical word "pharmakeia," exploring its original meaning and relevance to modern Christian understanding of medicine, mental health, and reliance on God, distinguishing it from sorcery and moder…
- Contentment in a Materialistic World
This episode of Radically Christian features Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discussing biblical contentment and its contrast with materialism and "hustle culture." They use scripture and personal anecdotes to explore the difference between…
- Rest for the Weary
This episode examines the context of Matthew 11:28-30, discussing Jesus' invitation to rest, the Pharisees' imposed yoke, and how the gospel redefines duty. Hosts Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the meaning of Jesus' yoke and its co…
- Are Thoughts and Prayers Sufficient?
Wes and Marcus examine Romans 12:12 on Radically Christian, differentiating patience from passivity and exploring the impact of social media. They discuss how biblical patience involves agency and how prayer can effect real change, offerin…
- Friendship with the World
This episode of Radically Christian examines James 4:4's "friendship with the world," suggesting it refers to allegiance to powerful patrons rather than moral choices. Hosts Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss its roots in the Greco-Rom…
- Do Not Be Conformed to This World
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, featuring Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson, examines the concept of "not being conformed to this world" by exploring Romans 12, the Epistle to Diognetus, and neuroscience. They discuss how tho…
- Spiritual Imposter Syndrome
This episode of Radically Christian discusses Matthew 7:21-23, exploring the difference between religious performance and genuine discipleship. Hosts Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson address spiritual imposter syndrome and the importance of…
- Is Debt a Sin?
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss whether debt is a sin, examining Proverbs 22:7 and biblical wisdom on lending and financial stewardship. They differentiate between wise financial choices and sinful behavior, touching on Old Testamen…
- Are We Living in the Last Days?
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore 2 Timothy 3:1-9, examining Paul's warnings about self-love and difficult times. They discuss the relevance of this ancient text to contemporary culture, challenging modern self-obsession and encouragi…
- What is Ecclesiastes All About?
This episode explores the book of Ecclesiastes, discussing its relevance to modern anxieties about meaning and fulfillment. Hosts Wes McAdams and Michael Whitworth examine how the book offers wisdom on joy, contentment, and gratitude, and…
- Being Wise with A.I.
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, such as misinformation and the replacement of human relationships, while also offering guidance on using AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly as a coach,…
- Should Christians Make New Year's Resolutions
Wes McAdams and the new co-host of Radically Christian discuss pursuing spiritual convictions instead of New Year's resolutions, focusing on transformation through God's design and the importance of the Holy Spirit. They also touch on upco…
- Is it Wrong to Celebrate Christmas?
This episode of Radically Christian explores the debate around Christians celebrating Christmas. Host Wes McAdams argues against separating life into religious and secular aspects, suggesting the holiday is an opportunity to strengthen fai…
- How to Write a Sermon
Wes McAdams demonstrates how to write sermons using Logos Bible Software, detailing his preparation process with the AI Study Assistant. The episode covers organizing sermon layouts, researching scripture, and using the Logos iPad app for…
- What You Can Learn in the Bible Lands
Drs. Jonathan Moore and Rick Brumback discuss how biblical archaeology, including discoveries in Bible lands like Israel and Egypt, validates Scripture and deepens faith. The episode highlights Freed-Hardeman University's graduate program…
- How to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples
Dr. Carl Williamson explains that a disciple follows Jesus, is changed by Him, and is committed to His mission. He describes training students at Harding University in small
- Baptism, What Does the Bible Actually Teach?
Wes McAdams and Dr. Bobby Harrington explore the biblical teachings on baptism, discussing its significance as an expression of faith, its connection to the gospel, and the early church's perspective on immersion in Jesus' name.
- When the Perfect Comes: Understanding 1 Corinthians 13:10 and Spiritual Gifts
The Radically Christian Podcast episode featuring Wes McAdams discusses 1 Corinthians 13:10, exploring the meaning of "the perfect" and the role of spiritual gifts. The conversation emphasizes that love is the ultimate measure of Christian…
- Life Lessons From a Stand-Up Comedian
In this episode of Radically Christian, Wes McAdams interviews comedian Brian Bates about faith, humor, and the role of clean comedy. They discuss how laughter can unite people and explore the parallels between comedy and ministry.
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control
In this episode, Wes McAdams and Guy Hammond discuss self-control, the final Fruit of the Spirit. Guy Hammond shares his personal transformation and emphasizes that the Spirit's work is gradual, involving humility and perseverance. The dis…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness
This episode of Radically Christian focuses on gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit, featuring guest Tim Pyles. They discuss gentleness as "strength under control," a Spirit-enabled trait exemplified by Jesus, and address potential objectio…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Faithfulness
This Radically Christian episode with Bobby Wheat explores faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit. It highlights that spiritual growth requires intentional cooperation with the Spirit, focusing on steadfast loyalty and trust in God, a conce…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness
This episode defines biblical goodness as an active, courageous force that reflects Christ and transforms lives, rather than mere avoidance of evil. Guest Jordan Arnold highlights its communal aspect within the church and encourages believ…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Kindness
In this episode of Radically Christian, Wes McAdams and Billy McGuiggan explore the nature of kindness as a fruit of the Spirit. They differentiate it from mere niceness, emphasizing that Spirit-empowered kindness reflects God's love and e…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Patience
This episode of Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast features Wes McAdams and Bill Watkins discussing patience as a Fruit of the Spirit. They differentiate between endurance and long-suffering, emphasizing patience in relationships and…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Peace
This episode features Bert Ritchie discussing the pursuit of peace as a follower of Jesus, drawing on his decades of ministry in Northern Ireland amidst sectarian conflict. He highlights peace as an embodied practice requiring courage, hum…
- The Fruit of the Sprit is Joy
Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discuss the fruit of the Spirit, particularly joy, differentiating it from worldly happiness. They explain that true joy comes from the Spirit within, not willpower, and helps believers face suffering while t…
- The Fruit of the Spirit is Love
Wes McAdams and Boo Scott explore the concept of the fruit of the Spirit, specifically love, in this episode. They explain that love is a supernatural outcome of the Spirit's presence, not a product of willpower, and discuss its characteri…
- What is the Kingdom of God
This episode features a conversation on the biblical vision of the kingdom of God, exploring how Jesus' mission invites believers to anticipate God's reign. Themes include enemy love and allegiance to Jesus in a contested world.
- Jesus is My Advocate
This episode of Radically Christian features Wes McAdams discussing Jesus as our advocate, addressing feelings of unworthiness. It unpacks 1 John 1-2, emphasizing confidence through Jesus, fellowship with God not based on performance, and…
- Cultural Influence on Young Women
Wes McAdams and Jennifer Lewis explore how cultural and religious messages, particularly concerning purity, have impacted young women, often leading to shame. They advocate for a gospel-centered approach emphasizing grace, identity in Chri…
- Christians and Social Media
Chris McCurley and Wes McAdams discuss how Christians can honor Jesus online, addressing whether Christians should use social media and how to maintain faithful presence. They examine social media's impact on spiritual formation and offer…
- Immigration and Ordering Our Love for Neighbors
This episode features Wes McAdams and Marco Arroyo discussing immigration through a Christian lens, using Augustine's concept of "ordered love." They argue that Christians should prioritize loving God and their neighbors, including immigra…
- Following Jesus in an Urban Community
This episode of Radically Christian features Wes McAdams and Jovan Payes discussing the challenges and opportunities of following Jesus in an urban context. They explore themes of cultural humility, justice, and peacemaking, drawing on bib…
- How Ethnicity and Race Affect the Way We Read the Bible
This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast features Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson discussing how race and ethnicity influence biblical interpretation. They explore the social constructs of race, the role of ethnicity in c…
- Good Preaching Helps Us Take God Seriously
This episode discusses how taking God seriously reorients our perspective, highlighting humor in Jesus' ministry and the inadequacy of self-improvement focus in preaching. It emphasizes that eternal life is about knowing God relationally,…
- What You Need to Know About Bible Translations
This episode of The Bible Study Podcast with Wes McAdams and Kevin Burr discusses Bible translations, explaining how they work and the differences between word-for-word and thought-for-thought approaches. They clarify why some translations…
- Does the Bible Mean More Than the Authors Intended?
This episode discusses whether biblical meaning is limited to authorial intent or includes divinely inspired meanings beyond the author's understanding. Hosts Wes McAdams and Jared Saltz explore responsible interpretation, divine inspirati…
- What Ecclesiastes Teaches About Life, Money, and Ambition
This episode features Bob Tabor discussing the teachings of Ecclesiastes on ambition, contentment, and life
- Ask Better Bible Questions
This episode of Radically Christian discusses asking better Bible questions and how cultural trends impact interpretation. Garrett Best emphasizes humility, group study, and seeking transformation through Scripture.
- The Problem with Proof-Texting the Bible
This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast discusses the issue of proof-texting, explaining what it is and why it is problematic. It encourages approaching Scripture with humility and accuracy, emphasizing the importance o…
- The Big Picture of the Bible
This episode of Radically Christian features Wes McAdams and Will Norrid discussing the importance of reading the Bible as a unified narrative. They caution against treating Scripture as a mere recipe book and emphasize understanding its b…
- The Right Motivation for Studying the Bible
In this Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast episode, Wes McAdams and Melvin Otey discuss how personal perspectives affect Bible reading. They challenge listeners to confront common pitfalls and approach God's Word with humility, emphas…
- Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline
This episode of Radically Christian discusses gratitude as a spiritual discipline rather than a mere feeling. It features audience participation and explores passages from Philippians, highlighting Paul's example of thankfulness even in ha…