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What does it mean to age wisely in a culture obsessed with staying young? Jen Wilkin joins Nick Cady to discuss her book, Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World, and the radically different stories that culture and Scripture tell about growing older. Jen explains the book’s central image: the human lifespan forms a kind of chiasm. Birth corresponds to death, childhood dependence anticipates the dependence of our final years, and caring for children corresponds to caring for aging parents—with midlife serving as the place of perspective. In this conversation, Nick and Jen discuss: Why aging itself is part of God’s original design—not merely a consequence of the FallHow our bodies can decline while we continue to develop as peopleWhy midlife often brings disorientation and reexaminationHow Western culture’s ideal of independence shapes our fear of agingWhy older believers are indispensable to the churchHow churches can cultivate meaningful friendships across generationsWhat it means to number our days and use our limited time wiselyThe difference between Bible literacy and Bible fluency Jen also reflects on unexpectedly needing a wheelchair when her book about aging was released—and what disability can teach us about dependence, dignity, and preparing to grow old faithfully. Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher whose work emphasizes Bible literacy and theological formation. Learn more: JenWilkin.netTraining the Church If this conversation encourages you, please like the video, subscribe to Theology for the People, and share it with someone who would benefit from it.

Why is happiness so difficult to find—and does God actually care whether we are happy? Jen Oshman joins Nick Cady to discuss her book Why Is It So Hard to Be Happy? Together, they examine the common Christian distinction between happiness and joy, what the Bible means when it calls people “blessed,” and why Scripture presents God himself as the source of genuine happiness. They also explore seven practices that psychologists associate with greater happiness, why those practices echo biblical wisdom, and what the Apostle Paul discovered that surpasses them all. According to Paul, even the best circumstances, achievements, and habits cannot compare with the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ and being found in him. Is God indifferent to our happiness—or is he eager to make us happy in himself? Jen Oshman is an author, speaker, and former missionary in Japan and the Czech Republic. Learn more about her work at jenoshman.com. In this episode: What happiness actually isWhether happiness and joy are truly differentWhy makarios can be translated “happy”What psychology gets right about human flourishingWhy good habits cannot satisfy our deepest longingsHow expectations contribute to disappointmentWhy Christians should be the happiest people

What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” — and why did adding “and the Son” (Filioque), lead to one of the greatest divisions in church history? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Shane Angland to unpack the history, theology, and ongoing significance of the Filioque controversy. Together, they explore the origins of the Nicene Creed, the debates at the Council of Constantinople (381), and why the Western church added the Filioque clause. They also discuss: The difference between eternal procession and the mission of the SpiritWhy the East and West approach theology differentlyThe role of language (Greek vs. Latin) in shaping doctrineHow politics—not just theology—deepened the divideWhether this issue still matters for Christians todayIf you’ve ever wondered why theology can get so complex—or why it actually matters—this episode will help you see that these debates aren’t just academic, they’re about faithfully understanding who God is. Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org

What happens when we read a theologian like John Owen alongside voices from across church history? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady interviews Kelly Kapic and Ty Kieser, authors of Owen Among the Theologians: Conversations Across the Christian Tradition. In this conversation, we explore: Why theology is best done in conversation, not isolationHow John Owen interacts with figures like Bernard of Clairvaux and Karl BarthWhether the Song of Songs should be read as a love poem, an allegory of Christ, or bothKarl Barth’s radically Christ-centered theology—and why it both attracts and unsettles evangelicalsHow engaging other traditions can deepen our understanding of ScriptureKapic and Kieser argue that faithful theology requires both conviction and humility: learning from the broader Christian tradition while remaining rooted in the authority of Scripture. If you’ve ever wondered how to engage theological voices outside your tradition without compromising your convictions, this episode will help you think more deeply and faithfully.

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with theologian and professor Bradley Green to unpack one of the most commonly mentioned but rarely understood ideas in today’s cultural moment: critical theory. Many people have heard of critical race theory—but Green explains that critical theory is actually a much older and broader worldview rooted in Marxist thought and developed by the Frankfurt School. More than just a social theory, Green argues that critical theory functions as a kind of alternative theology—with its own views of reality, sin, and redemption. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The distinction between critical theory as a whole, and critical race theory specificallyHow Marxism evolved from economics into cultural MarxismWhy critical theory focuses on oppression and liberationWhat Green means by calling critical theory a “Christian heresy”How critical theory borrows from—and distorts—biblical categories like creation, sin, and redemptionWhy institutions like family and church are viewed as oppressive within this frameworkWhat Christians can affirm, critique, and learn from critical theoryWhy the gospel offers a better and more complete answerGreen also highlights an important insight: while critical theory correctly identifies that something is wrong in the world, it ultimately misdiagnoses the root problem—and therefore offers a flawed solution. If you’ve ever wondered how to think clearly—and biblically—about critical theory, this episode will give you helpful categories and clarity.

What if repentance isn’t something to dread—but something to celebrate? In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with author and pastor Chris Brauns to talk about his new book The Way of Repentance: Embracing God’s Gift for a Transformed Life. For many people, the word “repentance” seems negative, but the Bible presents repentance not as a burden, but as a gift that leads to life, freedom, and joy. In this episode we explore: The difference between worldly sorrow and true repentanceHow repentance is both grief and joy at the same timeWhy repentance is a gift that God givesHow to get out of a rut when you feel stuck in cycles of sinWhat repentance looks like in everyday lifeHow repentance transforms our relationships and characterWe also discuss powerful biblical examples—from the prodigal son to Judah—and how repentance is not just the way into the Christian life, but the way we continue walking with Jesus. 👉 If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, felt stuck in sin, or misunderstood repentance, this conversation will help you see it as a pathway to deeper joy in Christ.

In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with Michael Payne, Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church, to talk about what makes worship in the church both biblical and healthy. Drawing from the insights of "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin, they explore 9 essential tensions that every church must navigate when it comes to worship and music. What does it look like to be: Spirit-led and Scripture-rooted?Emotionally expressive and doctrinally grounded?Skilled and sincere?Rather than choosing one side or the other, healthy worship holds these tensions together in a way that honors God and serves the church. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, musician, or church member, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what worship is—and what it’s for. 👉 Topics include: The purpose of music in gathered worshipBalancing excellence and authenticityChoosing songs that shape theologyLeading people, not just performing for themWhy tension is not a problem—but a necessityIf you care about Christ-centered, congregational worship, this episode is for you.

What does persecution actually look like in the places where the gospel is least known? And how should Christians think about persecution in relation to missions? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with missionary and author Matt Rhodes about his 15 years serving as a church planter in North Africa among a Muslim-majority tribal community. Matt shares stories from the field and discusses the central thesis of his book Persecution and Missions: A Practical Theology. One of Matt’s key insights is that persecution is not merely an occasional obstacle to mission—it is often a structural reality in places where the gospel is advancing. In many communities, the greatest barrier to faith in Christ isn’t intellectual objections but the social and familial cost of conversion. Nick and Matt discuss: Why persecution often prevents people from even exploring Christianity The immense social cost faced by converts from Muslim backgrounds Common mistakes Western missionaries make when discipling persecuted believers The tension between contextualization and compromise in missions How the New Testament frames persecution through the lens of the Exodus and the Promised Land Why missionaries must be honest about the cost of following Jesus The dangers of wealth, financial incentives, and dependency in missions Matt also shares practical wisdom from his experience serving in a village context in North Africa and offers specific ways listeners can pray for believers who face intense pressure for their faith. This conversation offers an important reminder: following Jesus has always come with a cost—but the hope of resurrection and eternal reward makes that cost worthwhile. 📘 Matt’s book: Persecution and Missions: A Practical Theology

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by recurring guest Shane Angland to explore the question: Did the early church fathers view Scripture the way Protestants do today—or is the Protestant view of the Bible a Reformation novelty? Nick and Shane walk through patristic theology and discuss how figures like Irenaeus, Athanasius, Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine spoke about the inspiration, authority, sufficiency, and clarity of Scripture. They also examine the “rule of faith” and whether it functioned like a controlling magisterium—or more like a summary of Scripture’s core teaching that guided interpretation. Along the way, they discuss: What “patristics” are, and where the patristic era generally begins and ends Whether the fathers believed Scripture could contain errors How early Christians handled difficult passages (textual issues, translation, and humility) The unity of Scripture and the Christ-centered reading of the whole Bible The Reformation’s claims about sola Scriptura and the perspicuity (clarity) of Scripture Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine and why it’s really about how to interpret the Bible Whether the church creates Scripture’s authority or recognizes it How medieval developments changed the relationship between Scripture and tradition If you’ve ever wondered whether the Reformation recovered an earlier Christian approach to the Bible—or introduced something new—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with Bruce Zachary, founding and teaching pastor of Calvary Nexus (Camarillo, California), to explore the Passover Seder meal—what it is, why it matters, and how it points powerfully to Jesus the Messiah. Bruce shares his story of growing up in an observant Jewish home and later coming to faith in Christ after visiting Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and encountering the Book of Hebrews. From there, the conversation dives into the biblical foundation of Passover in Exodus 12, the symbolism of the Seder plate, the meaning of the afikomen, and the significance of the four cups from Exodus 6:6–7—especially the “cup of redemption” connected to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper. Nick and Bruce also discuss how Christians should approach the Seder respectfully, how it helps connect the Old and New Testaments, and why Passover is one of the richest pictures of God’s redemptive plan—from Exodus to the cross and beyond. 📍 Upcoming Event: Bruce will be leading a Passover Seder at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado on March 27, 2026. The event is open to the public. Register here. More from Bruce: Messages and free resources, including several ebooks, are available at calvarynexus.org Nick and Bruce help lead a global church planting network called Cultivate. Visit: cultivatechurchplanting.com

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with Murray Smith (Christ College, Sydney) to talk about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24–25, Luke 21). Murray gives a candid snapshot of the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and from there, the conversation turns to Murray’s book Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives, a 12-week study designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope. Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches (preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside orthodox Christian confession, and then walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ. Nick and Murray also discuss: Why this passage is so debated—and yet so important How Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His coming What it means to “be ready" according to the parables in Matthew 24–25 Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and mission Though Nick and Murray have differences in how they view this passage, they both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, practical hope in the return of Jesus. Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22 Links to Nick's recent messages on the Olivet Discourse: The Great Tribulation & the King's ReturnLiving Ready for Jesus' ReturnHow to Prepare for the End of the WorldWhat to Expect on Judgment Day

What is Lent really about? Should evangelicals practice it? And did you know that the early church celebrated Easter for 40 days? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady explores the fascinating history of Lent — from its origins in the early church to its evolution over the centuries. What began as a 40-day preparation for baptism eventually became a widespread season of fasting and penance. But along the way, something was lost: a 40-day season of celebration known as Eastertide. Nick walks through: The early church practice of baptism on Easter The rise of catechumens and Lent as preparation The normalization of infant baptism The influence of original sin and Christendom Why Easter was once a 40-day feast of joy Why many Christians emphasize penance but neglect celebration Whether you observe Lent or not, this episode will challenge you to remember that celebration of what Christ has done for you should take precedence over focusing on what you do for Him. 📩 Have a theological question? Visit nickcady.org and click “Ask a Question.” Subscribe for upcoming episodes on: The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25) Church planting in North Africa The Jewish Seder and how it points to Jesus And more!

What does it really mean to be an apprentice of Jesus in a fragmented world? In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Heath Hardesty shares how his years as an apprentice plumber shaped his vision for discipleship and following Jesus. Heath is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church (VCC) in Pleasanton, California, and the author of the recent book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World. In this episode, we discuss: Why apprenticeship is a better paradigm for following Jesus than “just” discipleship classes The four pillars of apprenticeship: union, abiding, obeying, and imaging How sin fragments our lives and how Jesus reintegrates us Practical spiritual practices for ordinary Tuesdays Why following Jesus is a fully embodied way of life—not just information in our heads Whether you’re feeling spiritually stagnant or longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 📖 All Things Together releases October 14 and is available wherever books are sold.

What does faithful, biblical care for widows look like, and why does the Bible say that it is at the heart of "pure religion"? Susan VandePol became a widow when her husband—a Los Angeles City firefighter—died following a line-of-duty exposure. Out of her own grief the Lord led her to create practical protocols for fire departments and churches, and to host deeply healing widows’ retreats. In this conversation we cover:• Why you don’t “stop” being a widow—even after remarriage• How Scripture frames widowhood (the “quartet of the vulnerable,” James 1:27, Luke 18)• “Pruning” grief: letting God move grief toward health and fruit• Presence over platitudes: what helps, what harms• A simple, sustainable church protocol (care that intentionally extends to two years)• How ministering to widows purifies the whole churchResources mentioned:• Church Protocol for Widow Care – Matters of Life and Breath (download free)• Fire Department Widow Protocol – Matters of Life and Breath (free)• Widows’ Retreat (West Michigan, Oct 17–19) – registration details via the Matters of Life and Breath websiteAbout Susan VandePolWidow, author, and founder of Matters of Life and Breath, Susan equips churches and first-responder communities to care wisely and biblically for widows. She and her husband (a trauma specialist) also serve internationally with grief and trauma care.⏩ If this helped you, please share it with a friend and subscribe for more conversations that bring theology to the people!

In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Nick Cady is joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church to explore the fascinating story of the conversion of the Vikings. Stephen, who also hosts the Viking Legacy and Lore podcast, shares how his personal heritage sparked an interest in Viking history and mythology, and how he approaches it from a Christian perspective. Together we discuss: What the Viking Age was and how it ended The political and spiritual dynamics behind Viking conversion to Christianity The concept of the monomyth and how stories across cultures point to the true story of Jesus Parallels between Norse mythology and biblical truth Lessons for engaging neo-paganism and modern spiritual seekers This conversation blends history, theology, and mission — showing how God’s truth reaches across cultures and centuries. 📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Theology for the People where we bring theological conversations down to earth in a way that is understandable, practical, and engaging. Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for more helpful articles and many topics related to Theology.