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A sermon by Rich Lusk.

Bill and Rich discuss the debate over women wearing head coverings in worship, focusing on 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 and its interpretive, pastoral, and historical challenges. They argue the passage is complex, connected to broader Corinthian issues like slogans, worship order, and gender confusion, and they question whether “praying and prophesying” refers to leading in worship, especially in light of 1 Corinthians 14. Both state they do not believe an additional fabric covering is compulsory, emphasizing that 1 Corinthians 11:15 presents a woman’s long hair as her God-given covering and that Paul grounds his reasoning in creation and “nature,” not mere culture. They note practical problems with making coverings a liturgical mandate, including implications of sin, unity, and modesty, and they dispute claims of uniform historical practice. For questions, email [email protected]; Bill is @wrs2_ and Rich is @Vicar1973. Head Coverings: What are We Missing? by Jeff Meyers https://theopolisinstitute.com/head-coverings-what-are-we-missing/

Bill and Rich introduce Collars and Calluses, a “working theology for young men,” then conclude their series addressing Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism by focusing on praying to Mary and the saints, which they say is drawing some Protestant young men online. They outline how these traditions venerate and petition canonized saints—especially Mary as “queen of heaven”—framing it as part of the communion of saints and citing Hebrews 12, Revelation, and the Transfiguration. Rich argues the practice is non-apostolic, lacks biblical warrant, is forbidden as contacting the dead, and implies divine attributes like omniscience/omnipresence, making it idolatrous; Christians should pray directly to God through Christ. They discuss Marian doctrines (sinlessness, Immaculate Conception distinctions, perpetual virginity, Assumption), affirm “Theotokos,” warn against excessive Marian prayers, note typology (Mary as Ark/new Eve) with limits, and emphasize honoring Mary rightly and the virgin birth’s gospel meaning. Contact: [email protected]. X: @wrs2_ and @Vicar1973.

A series of sermons by Pastor Bill Smith contrasting the Protestant position with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Bill and Rich of Collars and Calluses continue a Protestant critique of Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, focusing on icons and images and their online appeal to young men as “masculine” churches. They describe how icons are prominent in Orthodox worship and treated as essential dogma, with Second Nicaea and the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” condemning iconoclasts, and argue the early church lacked icon veneration for the first 300 years and was historically divided. They contend veneration is an extra-biblical requirement added to the gospel and that distinctions like latria vs. proskynesis/dulia fail because the Second Commandment forbids the bodily act of bowing or kissing images regardless of intent. They emphasize seeking God where He promises to be found—Word and Sacraments—not icons, and warn listeners to think carefully before leaving Protestantism; next episode will address Mariology. Contact: [email protected]; On X - Bill: @wrs2_; Rich: @Vicar1973.

To end season 1 of Collars and Calluses, Bill and Rich interview Nick Freitas about his book The Man Book and what he’s seeing among young men today. Freitas describes three competing paths for men—emasculating hyper-feminism, self-centered “barbarian” strength, and biblical masculinity aimed at honoring God through protection, provision, and leadership—and notes increasing interest on college campuses in faith, family, and purpose. The conversation critiques feminized churches and weak, therapeutic preaching, argues Christians must prioritize truth and God’s glory over comfort, and discusses post-Charlie Kirk momentum being undermined by infighting and conspiracy thinking. Freitas offers counsel on marriage and dating by focusing on developing spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual, and vocational maturity and seeking women committed to Christ, and he addresses affordability by criticizing inflationary monetary policy, rejecting socialism, and advocating family legacy-building and opportunity creation.  The Man Book : https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/products/the-manbook Making the Argument Podcast with Nick Freitas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV5X47OmZs2vFhY13M68R3GKEf7pxh37j https://open.spotify.com/show/0PGCCatgQGZcatLmNSQ9oz https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/f4idx-c2e8c/Making-the-Argument-with-Nick-Freitas-Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-the-argument-with-nick-freitas/id1506127536

Bill and Rich continue their discussion of the authority of Scripture versus the authority of the church, clarifying that “inerrant” means without error while “infallible” means incapable of error, which they apply uniquely to God-breathed Scripture rather than councils or creeds. They argue that claims of infallible interpretation in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy do not remove private judgment, noting persistent internal disagreement and raising examples such as Vatican II contradicting Unam Sanctam. Rich contends the magisterium offers no practical advantage in exegesis and that apostolic succession should mean fidelity to apostolic teaching, since Paul says he was the last apostle. They reject secret oral tradition as unverifiable and corruptible, emphasizing written Scripture’s clarity and the Bereans’ model of testing teaching. They urge young men to study and think carefully because church decisions affect generations, and invite feedback at [email protected]; On X: Bill is @wrs2_ and Rich is @Vicar1973.

Bill and Rich discuss why some men move from rootless American evangelicalism toward Eastern Orthodoxy or Roman Catholicism in search of historical continuity and certainty, then frame the core dispute as an authority and epistemology question: Rome’s “Pope says,” the East’s “Church says,” and Protestantism’s “Bible says.” They argue that classic, magisterial Protestantism affirms real church authority and tradition under Scripture while maintaining Scripture as the highest and only infallible authority, distinguishing sola Scriptura from “solo Scriptura.” They recommend Keith Mathison, Martin Chemnitz, Calvin, and Michael Kruger, defend the self-attesting nature of Scripture and an organic recognition of the canon, critique Vincent of Lérins’ canon as romanticized when used to support papal or conciliar infallibility, and address Septuagint vs. Masoretic issues, urging listeners to study further. Contact: [email protected]; On X: Bill: @wrs2_; Rich: @Vicar1973.

Bill welcomes guest host Kyle Lammott, pastor of Exodus Church in Wichita, to discuss why some families leave Protestant churches for Eastern Orthodoxy, often driven more by culture, aesthetics, authority, and online “ortho bro” apologetics than theology, though rejection of Calvinism is a common stated issue. Bill corrects a prior reference to Joshua Shuping (author of Disillusioned), asks listeners not to contact Matthew Joyner, and recommends Martin Chemnitz’s Examination of the Council of Trent for studying Rome. The episode surveys church history from the 7th century icon controversy and competing “seventh” councils (754 vs. 787), to the Great Schism of 1054, the Crusades’ impact, Russia’s “Third Rome” claim, Orthodox encounters with the Reformation (including Patriarch Cyril Lucaris), and modern jurisdictional fragmentation. They critique Orthodox and Roman exclusivity claims, warn about icon veneration and anathemas, and urge young men to research carefully for the sake of their families. For questions or comments email [email protected] or contact Bill and Rich on X. Bill’s X handle: @wrs2_    Rich’s X handle: @Vicar1973 Exodus Church: https://www.exoduschurch.net/

Bill and Rich introduce Collars and Calluses and begin a series shifting from Proverbs to ecclesiology, responding to online “ortho bro” and Roman Catholic apologetics urging Protestants to convert. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience and personal study, they argue that both Rome and the East market stability, certainty, masculinity, and unbroken historical continuity, but that church history is messy, diverse, and contested. They contend Protestantism can affirm true believers and visible-church status in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy without identifying a single denomination as the true church, and they critique papal and conciliar claims, the Filioque dispute, and selective appeals to church fathers. They preview a historical flyover from the ante-Nicene era through early councils and urge listeners—especially young men—not to convert based on vibes, but to read and do the work. For questions: [email protected]. Bill on X: @wrs2_. Rich on X: @Vicar1973.

Continuing their Proverbs series, Bill and Rich focus on speech and the art of persuasion as a dominion tool meant to order life under Christ’s lordship. Using Proverbs 16:20–24, they distinguish persuasion (truthful, for another’s good) from manipulation (as in Proverbs 7), and connect persuasion to leadership, preaching, parenting, courtship, and even self-persuasion (Psalm 42). They highlight practical principles for persuasive rhetoric, including ethos/pathos/logos and four “Cs”: credibility, contrast (folly vs. wisdom), congeniality (gracious speech), and clarity, warning against reliance on force, anger, shaming, and authoritarianism.

Bill and Rich return to Proverbs to address speech as a major theme, emphasizing Proverbs 18:21 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” They argue words can genuinely harm or heal and that a man’s speech reveals his heart, requires self-mastery, and is essential to leadership, including tone and authority. They ground a theology of language in God’s creative and sustaining speech in Genesis and connect human language to dominion, community, and the breakdown at Babel. They discuss cultural battles over definitions and propaganda, noting how controlling words shapes behavior, and highlight persuasion as a key skill, citing Paul’s warfare of ideas in 2 Corinthians 10. Using Proverbs’ metaphors (water, food, swords, fire), they warn against rash, venting speech—especially online—since words and posts can bring lasting consequences. For feedback, email [email protected]; Bill is @wrs2_ and Rich is @Vicar1973.

Conference talk by Rich.

A sermon by Bill from Proverbs.

In this episode of Collars and Calluses, Bill and Rich continue their practical counsel for young men by discussing money, vocation, grit, and joy. They argue that wealth is a blessing and a tool of dominion, but warn against loving or idolizing money, urging contentment, stewardship through budgeting (beginning with a tithe), saving, investing, and safeguards like term life insurance; they also stress using wealth to provide for family and support Christian institutions. They encourage men to pursue a calling rather than a mere career, rejecting a sacred-secular divide and viewing all roles—work, husband, father, church member, neighbor, citizen—as God-given vocations with eternal significance. They define grit as toughness, resilience, and persistence needed to face hardship and reject softness. They close by urging men to “have fun,” enjoy God’s gifts with thanksgiving, cultivate interests and community, and appreciate accomplishments. Contact: [email protected]; Bill: @wrs2_; Rich: @Vicar1973.