This week, the long-anticipated series on predestination continues as Steve and Rich take a deep dive into some of the most debated passages surrounding this complex topic. If you missed last week’s episode, we highly recommend going back to listen or watch as it lays essential groundwork for what’s to come. Rich emphasizes how deeply our presuppositions can shape the way we interpret scripture, and predestination is a prime example. Unfortunately, many people approach this topic with definitions formed by sources outside of scripture, often before even opening the Bible. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize and set aside those preconceived ideas as we study. In this episode, Steve references passages like Acts 4:27-28 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 though these verses are not typically highlighted in discussions on predestination. Meanwhile, Rich explores in detail the more frequently cited texts such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5 & 11. He thoughtfully breaks down each verse, encouraging listeners to ask a vital question: Who is being predestined, and to what? Rich also addresses the meaning of “adoption as sons” and how it relates to salvation. Both he and Steve make the case that Paul’s use of the phrase does not refer to salvation itself, and they spend time unpacking the context to support this view. This episode may feel more detailed than usual, but it’s worth the close attention. We encourage you to set aside any presuppositions, engage with the scripture honestly, and follow the discussion with an open heart. And don’t forget to tune in next week for part three of this compelling series!

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Welcome back listeners! Join Sarah, Steve, and Rich in this long-awaited series covering the topic of predestination! Predestination is the idea that God preordained for people to be saved. Although predestination is a secondary issue in Christianity that our salvation doesn’t hinge on, it is a very controversial topic amongst many Christians. While Christians do not all agree on this issue, that doesn’t mean there should be division. Whether you believe in predestination or not, you are not any less of a Christian.

In this episode, they unpack what predestination means, why it matters, and how believers can approach it without compromising unity. Whether you're convinced God predestines individuals for salvation—or you're still wrestling with the concept—this conversation is for you.

Like with any theological topic, it is so important to go back to scripture. Not reading into scripture using our own preconceived thoughts or theology, but letting God’s Word speak for itself to shape our theology. How we think theologically affects the way we live as a Christian. As Steve says, our thoughts on the process of salvation and the human’s response to it affects our outlooks toward the gospel. So, we want to make sure that whatever we’re thinking and believing lines up with God’s Word. Come along for the ride as we begin exploring this topic in the coming weeks!

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Steve, Rich, and Sarah are back this week to tackle a deeply personal and often controversial topic: IVF. What is IVF? IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a process of fertilization where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to create an embryo, which is then placed in the uterus in hopes of beginning a pregnancy. Technology and science has become so advanced that people can now “artificially” make babies. On the surface, IVF can seem like a beautiful gift—especially for those walking through the pain and heartbreak of infertility. That struggle is very real, and for anyone who has gone through this process, or was born through it, know this: your life is deeply valuable because you are made in the image of God. But IVF also raises serious ethical and spiritual questions. Steve and Rich explore some of these, especially the concern that many embryos are often created, but not all are used—leaving some to be frozen indefinitely or even destroyed. IVF itself isn’t inherently wrong, but what happens to the unused embryos is a heavy decision and important issue. How should Christians think about IVF? How do we navigate these topics and modern technology in a way that’s consistent with God’s Word? Join us for this important conversation as we wrestle with the complexity of IVF with both compassion and conviction.

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Steve's January 2025 sermon on IVF

Additional resources on IVF:

The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf

How IVF Is Changing Our View of Human Beings

The Tragic Consequences of the IVF Industry

Moral Factors to Take into Account if You're Considering IVF

The Black Box of IVF

Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.