Advertise on podcast: Sermon B-Sides - Coram Deo Church

Why does Paul restrict the office of elder to men, and does it still apply today? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Pastor Rusten's recent sermon on 1 Timothy 2. They show how Paul grounds his instruction in the order of creation before the fall rather than in the culture of Ephesus. They also discuss why preaching is an exercise of authority, how the church reflects the household of God, and why grace restores creation rather than overturning it. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

Paul calls himself the worst of sinners—and means it. In this episode on 1 Timothy 1:12-20, Pastors Jon and Rusten unpack the famous line, the Grand Canyon illustration of how far short we all fall, and why comparing ourselves to others misses the point. They explore how the gospel that saved even Paul now fuels the “good warfare” Timothy must wage: holding the faith and a good conscience. Along the way they address what truly counts as a gospel issue (including sexual immorality and unrepentant sin), the necessity of church discipline for wolves like Hymenaeus and Alexander, and why Christianity is a full-contact sport, not a social club. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

In this opening conversation on 1 Timothy they unpack Timothy’s costly heart for mission, the urgency of putting the household of God in order, why doctrine and life can never be separated, and how “vain discussions” and speculation still distract the church today—from wild eschatology claims to internet-pastor clickbait. They close by recovering the lawful use of the law: exposing sin and pointing us to Christ, then guiding grateful obedience that displays the beauty of God’s design. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

As Paul closes his letter to the Romans with personal greetings, one name sparks a major debate: Was Junia an apostle? In this final episode on Romans, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten walk through Romans 16 and tackle the question of women in ministry. They discuss Junia’s identity, the meaning of “outstanding among the apostles,” the clear teaching of 1 Timothy 2 on creation order, and why the office of elder is reserved for qualified men. Along the way, they address the value of distinct male and female roles in the home and church, and the dangers of interpretive gymnastics. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

How should stronger Christians relate to weaker ones in the church? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten continue through Romans 15, showing how the stronger are called to bear with the failings of the weak — just as Christ did not please himself but bore our reproach. They discuss the goal of church maturity, the power of endurance and encouragement from God, Jew-Gentile unity, and how Paul’s missionary ambition to preach Christ where he has not been named flows directly from the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

What do you do when Christians in the same church disagree on secondary issues like food, drink, holy days, or personal convictions? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten unpack Romans 14 — exploring the weaker and stronger brother, the call to welcome without quarreling, and why we must be fully convinced in our own minds while refusing to despise or judge one another. They discuss real pastoral wisdom on alcohol, Christian liberty, avoiding the “tyranny of the weaker brother,” and how gospel unity holds the church together even when convictions differ on non-essential matters. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

What happens to Israel now that many have rejected their Messiah? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten unpack Romans 11, exploring the remnant chosen by grace, the olive tree where believing Jews and grafted-in Gentiles become one, and why God’s hardening of Israel led to the gospel going to the nations. They tackle election, unity in the church, and why there’s only one people of God in Christ. Has God’s plan failed—or is it unfolding exactly as promised? We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

If God elects whom He saves, why pray for the lost or preach the gospel? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten explore Romans 10, unpacking Paul’s anguished prayer for Israel, the call to faith for all—Jew and Gentile—and why preaching is God’s chosen means for salvation. From zeal without knowledge to the inclusivity of “everyone who calls on the Lord,” they show how election fuels mission, not passivity. Does God’s sovereignty free us from evangelism—or empower it? We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

What about the Jews who rejected Christ—has God broken His promises? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten unpack Romans 9, diving into the doctrine of election, the distinction between ethnic Israel and true Israel, and Paul’s anguished heart for his kinsmen. They tackle the potter and clay, Pharaoh’s hardening, and why God’s sovereign choice never undermines human responsibility or His faithfulness. If God elects some and not others, what does that mean for hope, prayer, and unity in the church today? We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

What does it mean to live with no condemnation, hope in suffering, and a love nothing can sever? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten unpack the soaring heights of Romans 8: freedom from guilt through Christ, life empowered by the Spirit, creation’s groaning turned to glory, and the golden chain that secures us forever. What does it mean that God declares us more than conquerors? We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

Is Romans 7 Paul describing the normal Christian struggle with sin—or something else? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten dive into the most debated chapter in Romans, unpacking the goodness of the law, the deadly power of sin, and the cry of “Wretched man that I am!” They explain that while there is truth, this is in some ways descriptive of believers’ ongoing battle with sin, Paul's emphasis is on the law’s role in exposing sin and driving us to Christ. Who is really speaking here—and what does it mean for us today? We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

Paul asks the question every critic of grace loves to throw: If we’re saved by free grace and not by law-keeping, why not just keep sinning? In this final B-Sides of the year, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten dive into Romans 6 and show why the answer is a resounding “By no means!” Union with Christ’s death and resurrection, the end of slavery to sin, and the myth of neutrality all show that grace doesn’t permit sin—it kills it. Merry Christmas, everyone! We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

Why rejoice in trials when life hurts? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten explore the fruits of justification by faith: peace with God, hope that endures, and a love poured out for the undeserving. They unpack how suffering builds character, federal headship in Adam and Christ, and why grace transforms pain into purpose.  We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

How was Abraham justified before Christ came? What was Abraham promised? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten unpack Romans 4, revealing one unchanging Gospel preached to Abraham—faith alone in Christ alone. They explore the true role of circumcision, the singular Offspring who inherits the world, and why God’s promise always pointed to a global kingdom. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].

How can sinners be righteous before a holy God? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten tackle Romans 3, unpacking covenant signs, the universal condemnation under the law, and the glorious truth of justification by faith in Christ alone. They explore why covenant blessings don’t justify, how God remains faithful to his covenant, though there are apostates, and the various ways justification by faith alone has been denied throughout history and today. We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at [email protected].