King & Culture

Luke and Seth discuss the disturbing trend of Pornmaxxing, the contagious/viral nature of desire, and the origin of memes vs genes as a way that human behavior spreads.

Seth, and guest Tilly Dillehay, talk about "the schemes of the devil." Tilly's book, My Dear Hemlock, models itself on CS Lewis' Screwtape Letters, but with a focus on a female "patient" rather than a male "patient."

Luke and Seth respond to questions Ironwood asked about Spiritual Warfare, Nephilim, Demons, and Angels.

Luke and Seth talk about the ingredients that contribute to someone's growth, ministry design and architecture, and the role of suffering and discomfort in spiritual development.

Seth and Luke discuss different senses of the word "Israel," interpreting promises related to Israel, antisemitism, and whether Christians have to offer uncritical support to the modern nation-state named Israel.

Seth and Luke discuss biblical categories related like fueling, fasting, and feasting that support our wellbeing, why calories work, and the role of food-related technology/medicine that helps us be sick or healthy.

Luke and Seth talk about how a New York Times article argued we are sliding back into the Dark Ages, "disenchantment" and "re-enchantment," and the role of angels, demons, and spiritual forces in our day to day lives.

Seth and Luke talk about what it means to abide or remain in Christ, how we can do that, and some of Dallas Willard's wisdom on practicing spiritual disciplines.

Luke, Seth, and guest Glen Scrivener talk about how to share your faith with different types of non-Christians, the roots of the values of Western Civilization, and Glen's new book The Air We Breathe.

Luke and Seth discuss more about Seth's new book and what the process was like.

Luke and Seth discuss the book Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God's Design. What are the virtues and roles that make for Godly, biblical masculinity?

Seth and Luke discuss the beatitudes, blessing, and how to interpret and apply the words of Jesus in the Sermon on The Mount to our lives. Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine on the beatitudes.

Luke and Seth discuss the happiness of God, the goodness of hedonism, and what it means that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

Free PDF: Desiring God

Books referenced: Confessions, Desiring God, and The Weight of Glory.

Sermon Luke mentioned: Undoing The Destruction of Pleasure.

Luke, Seth, and special guest host Frank Switzer discuss the nature, function, assets, and liabilities of so-called "artificial intelligence." Recorded live at Redemption Arcadia.

Seth and Luke discuss the role of mentors, the need to gain access to wisdom, and why most of the time you shouldn't ask someone to be your mentor.

Seth and Luke discuss St. Valentine and other significant martyrs in church history and consider how they inspire us unto radical faithfulness to Jesus.

Luke and Seth discuss "free will" vs "real choices", how to handle paradoxes in Scripture, and what the fruit of believing in sovereign mercy should look like in the life of a Christian. Check out episodes 46 (Heretical & Evangelical?), 47 (Anti-Hero), and 48 (Inability & Conversion) of the King & Culture podcast for more.

Seth and Luke respond to more questions that were sent in during the Ask Anything service 12/28 at Ironwood Church. Paper mentioned: To Be Or Not To Be Left Behind.

Luke and Seth discuss prayer, how to do it, and different strategies and key Bible passages that help form us as a praying people. Previous episode we discuss: Ep. 22 Taking the Lord's Name In Vain.

Luke and Seth explore the difference between mission and missions (with an "s") and share about how missions plays out at Ironwood. While mission is comprehensive, missions are a more specific subset of mission.

Then they conclude talking about a special new project in Moldova that relates to the 2025 Christmas Offering.

LINKS:

- Ironwood Global + Local
- Ironwood Philosophy of Missions 

Enjoy this replay of one of Luke and Seth's favorite episodes. Seth and Luke consider plagues that infect all of our lives: entitlement and cynicism. Though we have so much, we are often so unhappy — grumbling and complaining about all that doesn't go the way we want. Even Christians are susceptible to this dynamic.

How can we pursue a different way that allows us to shine in a dark world? By pursuing a life and practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. Seth shares a number of key Bible verses and some helpful practices that individuals and families can do to practice gratitude.

Luke and Seth discuss who baptism is for, how it relates to communion, and why it plays a significant role in the life of a Christian. https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/baptism

Luke and Seth discuss John Frame's framework, called Triperspectivalism, and how it relates to the Trinity, to the three offices of Jesus, and everyday leadership responsibilities.

Luke and Seth discuss the difference between experienced and mature Christians, the need for love to be a key marker of growth in the life of a Christian, and a framework the Elders developed to help congregants evaluate themselves as they seek to follow Jesus.

The Five Loves.

We were privileged to have Dr. Wayne Grudem kickoff our CONTEND class this year. He shared the opening lecture he'd ordinarily give for his Systematic Theology classes he taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Phoenix Seminary. 

Seth and Luke discuss the nature of culture, political idolatry, revival, when we need (and don't need) to be balanced, and what being a Christian in the public square could look like in the next season.

Other Relevant Episodes:
Ep 108 Culture Warring
Ep 94 Life in a Negative World
Ep 91 Trust Not in Princes
Ep 86 Patriotism w/ Dan Darling
Ep 80 Psychedelics and Jesus w/ Ashley Lande
Ep 74 Christian Nationalism
Ep 73 Pacifism & War
Ep 70 The Worthless Men
Ep 37 Essential Oils and the Rise of Neopaganism
Ep 36 Mass Shootings and the Goodness of God
Ep 30 Hooters Conservatism

In this bonus episode, Luke is interviewed by his wife, Molly. They talk about his experiences in baseball, childhood acting, movies, music, advice for young dads, the journey to becoming a pastor, planting a church, and more. This conversation was recorded with a live audience at the Summer Scoop at Ironwood Church.

UNTIL Vision Meeting RSVP

Seth and Luke discuss the nature of the unseen realm, angels, and the demonic. How do they interact with us in our daily lives? Could these extraterrestrial beings be understood to be aliens?

Seth and Luke discuss the nature and need for "doing theology" in addition to doing Bible Study. Why do we care about creeds? Why do we need summary statements for our beliefs?

CONTEND

Luke and Seth dicsuss the origins, uses, and purposes of what's been called "the seven deadly sins." Are there only seven deadly sins? Isn't all sin deadly? Why these seven? What is the difference between vices and sins, virtues and holiness?

Glittering Vices

Vices Tree image download

Luke and Seth discuss the joy and delight of children, why some are prone to view them as interuptions and burdens, and what must happen in our hearts if we are to rightly view children as gifts and blessings.

In this bonus episode, Luke interviews his wife, Molly. They talk about swimming, sports, growing up, her faith story, going back to work, being a pastor's wife, and more. This conversation was recorded with a live audience at the Summer Scoop at Ironwood Church.

Luke and Seth discuss The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What is a Christian? Where do we agree with the LDS Church and where do we disagree? How significant and meaningful are the differences?
A Tale of Two Stories
Three Questions to Ask Your Mormon Friends
Ten Most Important Things to Say to a Mormon

Seth and guest Dr. John Meade discuss the history of the Bible, why Roman Catholics have extra books in their bibles, and issues related to how the New Testament authors quote the Old Testament in ways that, on the surface, seem like a problem. 

_________

Buy Scribes & Scripture Book - https://a.co/d/e6XqpB1
Visit Scribes & Scripture Website -  https://textandcanon.org

Seth and guest Dr. Peter Gurry discuss New Testament manuscripts, textual variants, scribal errors, and challenges Christians may face in holding to the belief that the Scriptures are without error in the original writings. Can you say your ESV Bible is God's Word? Do the writers of the gospels contradict each other? How should we think about the section in Scripture that are bracketed off in our Bibles that say, "earliest manuscripts do not include"?

https://textandcanon.org

Scribes & Scripture

Luke and Seth discuss how demonic powers typically operate, the nature of "culture" and "war," and different approaches Christians take to establishing and contending for norms at various levels. Should Christians engage in "culture war"? If so, how?

Luke, Seth, and guest Brad Edwards discuss The Reason for Church, Brad's new book, and various reasons why it's harder than ever to convince people that the local church is a good thing, sometimes even harder to convince them that Jesus is God or that he's risen from the dead. Why does local church matter? Why does belonging to the body of Christ matter? How does digital technology make local church seem more optional than ever before? How does the decline of institutions shape how people relate to the church?

The Reason For Church

Seth and Luke discuss the good side and bad side of comparing yourself to others, letting the tenth commandment serve as a guide. What is envy? How do we fight it? When is being motivated by the success of other's productive or destructive?

Luke and Seth discuss the wisdom literature and how to apply it to various seasons of life. Wisdom, or skill, is seasonal and contextual. How do we apply the Song of Songs? What dangers are there if we apply the book of Ecclesiastes too quickly? Can we run before we walk when it comes to wisdom?

Luke, Seth, and guest Kyle Worley discuss the doctrine of our Union with Christ. Kyle's new book focuses on how you and I are invited to live at home with God in Christ Jesus. Union with Christ is one of the most unbelievable and overlooked realities of Christian salvation.

Home With God

Seth and Luke discuss the Roman Catholic Church, looking at places where there is agreement and disagreement with Evangelical Protestantism. Issues like Scripture, tradition, Mary, sacraments, eucharist, the Pope, and justification all factor into how we make sense of the points of overlap and departure. Referenced books: Was the Reformation A Mistake, What It Means to Be Protestant

Seth and Luke tackle more of the questions that were submitted during Ask Anything. They tackle these questions:

• What is the church's structure for leadership and accountability from a leadership perspective
with the pastors and elders? And how does the church approach addressing unrepentant sin
within the leadership and/or within the body?

• We hear from men from preaching on Sundays. Where are the places we can hear and learn from
women? And who are they?

• What vision would you give to young singles having a hard time finding purpose?

• As our church grows and the pastor to member/attended ratio grows, how should we view the role of a pastor at Ironwood in 2025? Said another way, are there ways to feel pastored like a small church pastor would with more “touch” while attending an ever growing church?

• I know the church’s stance on homosexuality. I would like to know how this church would react/respond to an openly homosexual couple or transgender individual who would regularly attend church.

• Why don't we use the extra books that are used in the Orthodox Christian Bible? What is your take on the Gospel of Mary? Mary Magdalene was obviously close to Jesus and why would we exclude her? Male patriarchy?

• What is Ironwood's belief about what happens to people immediately after death? Is our soul asleep
until Christ's 2nd coming, or are we resurrected immediately?

• What is the role of the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy in the modern Church?

• As pastors what is difficult feedback you have been given in the last year or so and how did you learn and grow from that feedback?

• How do you accept when your child decides he or she wants to change their gender?

• In all your experience, what is the best way you've seen a couple embrace God in their marriage?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

- Video from three Ask Anything services in 2024

- Wesley Huff video series, "Can I Trust the Bible"

Luke, Seth, and guest Patrick Miller dicuss different ways Christians can respond to being outsiders and exiles in the midst of our complex cultural realities. Patrick gives us six practical ways that Christians can seek the welfare of the dark world into which we've been sent all while maintaining a joyful rather than fussy disposition. https://joyfuloutsiders.com

Seth and Luke take a few minutes to reflect on the origins of the podcast as they reflect on 100 episodes.

Then they talk through Ironwood Church's conviction about "Christ & Culture," which forms much of the approach to the King & Culture podcast. Read the conviction statement here: https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/doctrine

Finally, they discuss the future of the podcast, how they approach interviews, and invite feedback for possible topics and ideas.

Luke and Seth talk about the sermon series that will occupy much of 2025 — the book of Hebrews. Luke shares about the process for deciding what to preach and arranging the preaching calendar, and then they discuss the key themes, authorship, favorite passages, and other hopes for Ironwood as we explore this remarkable book.

For more resources on Hebrews, visit the article on the Ironwood website: https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/articles/hebrews-overview

Luke, Seth, and guest Trevin Wax discuss various strategies and approaches to connecting with God in a meaningful and reugular way in prayer. They explore the merits of strcuture and routine while considering the issues tha arise if we simply view time with God as self-improvement project or a life-hack.

Gospel Coalition: Trevin Wax

30 Days Series books

Seth and Luke explore the tensions of Advent. While so much of the Christmas season seems happy and bright, it's also filled with loss and disappointment. 

They also explore how the early church approached the Advent season in comparison to how most of us think of it. Whether you're in a season of joy or sorrow, this episode will help you lean into Jesus as you wait for His return.

Seth and Luke consider plagues that infect all of our lives: entitlement and cynicism. Though we have so much, we are often so unhappy — grumbling and complaining about all that doesn't go the way we want. Even Christians are susceptible to this dynamic.

How can we pursue a different way that allows us to shine in a dark world? By pursuing a life and practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. Seth shares a number of key Bible verses and some helpful practices that individuals and families can do to practice gratitude.

Luke and Seth discuss the results of the 2024 election, looking at the failures of the Pro-Life cause and the success of Trump. Is it wrong to be overly sad or happy about these things? Is there a Christ-less Conservatism that will dominate political thinking the next few years? How will we respond to it? How do we interact with the growing non-Religious Right in light of the mission of God's people? How will the church respond to the coming mental health crisis that Mark Halperin predicted?

Seth and guest Aaron Renn discuss how, since 2014, we've been living in an America that is differently hostile to the Christian faith than ever before. What does that mean for us as the people of God? What does that mean for us both politically and personally?

https://www.aaronrenn.com

Book: Life In the Negative World

Article: Three Worlds of Evangelicalism

Seth and Luke talk through how much the Bible shapes our understanding of various key political issues. They begin with character vs. policy and then dive into 7 of the key issues in the 2024 election:

Taxes / Economy
Abortion
Immigration & Border
Sex & Gender
Climate & Environment
Foreign Policy
Corruption & Oppression

Just War Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-culture/id1531036631?i=1000642083516

Luke and Seth discuss how Biblical Values have shaped politics in Western Culture. They look at the eight ideologies and six moral taste buds that shape our political engagement.

In each one, they explore what the ideology is, how it reflects some biblical good, but how it also is distorted and eventually can lead to a kind of tyranny. 

The Eight Political Ideologies:

1. Liberalism
2. Conservatism
3. Nationalism
4. Democratism
5. Socialism
6. Marxism
7. Economicism
8. Technologism

Then they explore the six moral "taste buds" put forth by Jonathan Haidt:

Compassion
Liberty
Loyalty
Fairness
Authority
Sanctity

Books Referenced:

David Koyzis, Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies: https://amz.run/9Wqf

Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion: https://amz.run/9Wqg

Seth and Luke discuss the religious nature of politics and explore John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle" as it relates to the nature of limited vs unlimited government. Should Christians care about politics? Why? How do you know if you care too much or too little?

Seth and Guest Dr. Andrew Walker discuss the role of creation in establishing ethical norms for both Christians and Non-Christians.
Check out Walker's new book Faithful Reason and his article on Natural Order.

Seth and guest Kyle discuss the key differences between Mormon theology and traditional, orthodox Christianity while considering a few strategies that ought to guide our interacts with our LDS neighbors.
Follow Kyle here.

Seth and returned host Luke discuss Church Discipline.

Seth and guest Jay discuss his book Analog Church and how digital technology can lead us away from what the Bible teaches us about what the church actually is.
Check out Jay's books here 

Seth and guest Dan discuss his forthcoming book on Patriotism. Should Christians love their country? How do you know if your affection for your nation is idolatrous? What practices are helpful for developing an appreciate love of America?
Check out Dan's website here: https://danieldarling.com

Seth and guest Dr. Miles Smith IV discuss the religious roots of America and to what extent it is true that America was founded as a Christian Nation. Discussed Links: https://davenantinstitute.org/religion-republic

Seth and Cathi discuss how Cathi's story led to her involvement in the Pro-Life cause and how her relationship to Jesus animates her work in the realm of public policy.
AZ Policy Website
Vineyard Pregnancy Center
Hope Women's Center

Seth and guest Nancy Pearcey discuss some of her newest book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She’s been described by The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

www.nancypearcey.com/

Seth and guest Dr. Dani Treweek discuss singleness and the church. How did the early church view unmarried people? What does the bible have to say about unmarried people? How can the church grow in her love for and inclusion of unmarried people?

Read Dani's book here.

Seth and guest Jennifer Greeberg discuss various misconceptions of joy, how misused bible verses have harmed God's people, and practically discuss how we can follow Jesus who "for the joy set before him endured the cross.

Seth and guest Ashley Lande discuss her journey into and out of the search for God using drugs and pagan spirituality before eventually coming to faith in Jesus.
Article
Pre-order Ashley's book here

Seth and guest Josh Butler discuss the four political religions in America and six strategies for how Christians can faithfully engage politically.

Buy Josh's book here.

Seth and Luke discuss how to think, speak, and pray about authority figures and leaders.

Seth and Luke discuss the warnings given to the rich in the Bible and the tension that exists between enjoying God's blessings and living with radical generosity.

Luke, Seth, and Guest Ian Harber discuss the crisis of deconstruction and how to walk with people in the process of reconstructing their faith.
Ep 24. Deconstructing Deconstruction
Ep 12. Decolonizing Deconstruction
Read Ian's TGC Article here
Subscribe to Ian's Substack here

Seth and guest Tony Ziolko LPC discuss the nature of trauma and how to develop resilience in ourselves and our children.

Seth and Luke discuss various types of Christian Nationalism and how we should hold our faith in the public square. 

Luke and Seth discuss Biblical and historical arguments regarding Just War Theory, Pacifism, and self-defense. 

Seth and Luke discuss various spiritual disciplines to experiment with in 2024.

Luke and Seth discuss what God's people were expecting vs what they got when God took on Flesh in Jesus.

Seth and Luke discuss how to think about and pray for Evil Men considering the fact that they are made in the image of God. 

Enjoy this recording from Revelation Q&A Night on November 9. Luke and Seth answer questions that had been submitted online and in person. 

Seth and Luke discuss the new name of Redemption Gateway, the significance of metaphors for growing in our faith, and the Psalm 1 vision for how we can be a faithful presence as a church.

Luke and Seth discuss CS Lewis' concept of the Inner Ring and how not to "love the glory. that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." (John 12:43)

Seth and Luke discuss various ways to make sense of the relationships between magic, religion, science, and technology.

Luke & Seth unpack FAQs for the book of Revelation and issues related to eschatology (the study of the last days).

Revelation Series Overview w/ resources, songs, and key interpretative issues
Alpha & Omega (Revelation w/ Dr. John DelHousaye)
Life After Life After Death
Get the Hell off of Earth
Mark of the Beast
To Be Or Not To Be Left Behind 

They're back! In today's episode, Seth and Luke discuss Seth's sabbatical, male insecurity, gender, and the role humiliation plays in virtue development.

Enjoy this replay of one of Luke and Seth's favorite episodes. In this episode, they discuss the importance of both theology and therapy in the life of a Christian. 

Enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They discuss the dangers of conforming with the secular right and the importance of following the heart of Christ. 

Please enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They reframe what 'taking God's name in vain' looks like and how we can honor God's name in our speech and words. 

Enjoy this replay of one of Luke and Seth's favorite episodes. This episode originated in a mini-series about Seth's dissertation. 

Enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They discuss what the bible says and doesn't say and the ways in which our culture possesses 'The Mark of the Beast'

Seth welcomes special guest Dr. John DelHousaye to discuss the book of Revelation. They ask how to interpret it, how to submit to it, and how to live in light of the End of History.
Chiasm diagram

Luke and Seth discuss various types of rest, how to achieve them, and the benefit they provide both to the one doing the resting and to people around them. Seth talks about his plans to implement rest on his upcoming sabbatical.

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Seth and Luke discuss the similarities between spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy

Learn more about Redemption Gateway here
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Luke and Seth discuss the value of emotions in our lives and how they image Jesus.

The Emotional Life of our Lordby BB Warfield

Seth and Luke discuss a biblical vision for masculinity. It confronts left-wing visions that make men and women interchangeable and right-wing views that over-emphasize their differences. Whether your male or female, this is an important conversation for this cultural moment.

Seth and Luke discuss how to set goals and establish direction that is congruent with our created designs.

Luke and Seth discuss the contours of biblical humanity.

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Seth, Luke, and Matthew answer a bunch more questions that they hadn't been able to get to in last month's Ask Anything.

To Be or Not to Be Left Behind by Dr. Seth Troutt
Pleasing God by our Obedience by Dr. Wayne Grudem

1:54 - Do you think when Israel became a nation in 1948, that started the clock towards Jesus’ return?
7:30 -  Will there be a literal rapture of the church followed by a 7 year tribulation period and then the second coming of Christ?
16:06 - In light of Prov 22:6, what encouragement would you have for parents who have raised children in a Christian home but those grown children are now rejecting the faith?
22:10 - Evangelicals find basis for gender and sex in biological markers. How do you square this with a God who, at least as Father and Spirit, identifies as male but possesses none of the biological traits?
12:07 - Is capital punishment biblical?
30:13 - Two fairly consistent messages I hear: 1) God loves you and there is nothing you can do to earn His love, therefore stop trying to earn it; 2) Faithfulness and obedience to God’s law are for your benefit and pleases Him, therefore we are responsible for our growth. Help flesh out how these work together.
37:25 - How do you live a purposeful life as a believer?
44:58 - How do I best handle a workplace that is increasingly pushing worldly cultural norms?
47:33 - How do you stay friends with non-believers without letting your faith suffer as a young adult?
50:21 - Advice for those who are looking to ensure longevity in serving/loving the church?
53:46 - What primarily shapes the order of our worship services?
1:01:03 - What is the direction Pastor Luke and the elders see our youth group going?

Seth and Luke continue their series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering how God holds onto us. They also discuss how all this grace comes with both privileges and responsibilities.

Seth and Luke continue their discussion of the Doctrines of Grace by looking at how Christ's death on the cross made it such that God's people would be saved.

J. I. Packer Article

Not that election **wink wink**
Seth and Luke dive into the doctrine of election (sometimes called *unconditional election*). Everyone who reads the Bible sees that God chooses his people... but what does that mean?

Luke Simmons joins Nikki Reeves and Geoffrey Wilcoxson for a special crossover episode to discuss the movies of 2022.

Listen to For Jesus

Seth and Luke continue a series about Reformation theology by exploring the truths of inability (sometimes called "total depravity") and conversion (sometimes called "irresistible grace").